The bill seeks to prohibit licensed professionals from using conversion therapy on minors, defined as individuals under 18 years of age. Conversion therapy is characterized as any practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, with exceptions for supportive practices that aid in gender transition or foster acceptance of one's identity. 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, refrain from engaging in such practices with minors. Violations will be deemed unprofessional conduct, leading to disciplinary actions by the relevant regulatory boards.

In addition to prohibiting conversion therapy, the bill amends existing laws related to telemedicine, clarifying that such practices are not authorized under the Kansas telemedicine act. It updates definitions and grounds for disciplinary actions against nursing professionals, explicitly including the use of conversion therapy on minors as unprofessional conduct. The bill also repeals certain existing sections and refines various definitions related to professional licensing in the behavioral sciences, including the term "healthcare." Furthermore, it outlines the powers and duties of the behavioral sciences regulatory board, streamlining the legal framework governing behavioral health professionals in Kansas. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

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