The bill seeks to prohibit licensed professionals from administering conversion therapy to minors, defined as individuals under 18 years of age. Conversion therapy is characterized as practices aimed at altering an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, while supportive practices for gender transition are excluded. The bill mandates that licensed professionals, including those from the state board of healing arts, the board of nursing, and the behavioral sciences regulatory board, are barred from using conversion therapy on minors. Violations of this prohibition will be classified as unprofessional conduct, leading to potential disciplinary actions by the relevant regulatory boards. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to clarify that the Kansas telemedicine act does not permit the delivery of conversion therapy to minors and updates definitions related to unprofessional conduct and professional incompetency to include this practice.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions for terms relevant to professional services in the behavioral sciences, such as "Advertisement," "Licensee," "License," "Health care entity," and "Significant investment interest," while also correcting the term "health care" to "healthcare" in various instances. It outlines the powers and responsibilities of the behavioral sciences regulatory board, including the authority to recommend prosecutions for violations and establish rules for professional conduct and continuing education. The bill also repeals existing statutes that conflict with these new provisions, reinforcing the commitment to protect minors from harmful conversion therapy practices. The bill will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 40-2, 65-1120, 65-2837, 74-7507