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 related to gender transition or identity exploration. The legislation specifically targets licensed individuals from the state board of healing arts, the board of nursing, and the behavioral sciences regulatory board, categorizing any violations as unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary measures. Furthermore, the bill extends these prohibitions to telemedicine practices, ensuring that minors are protected from potentially harmful interventions.

In addition to the prohibition, the bill amends existing Kansas statutes, including K.S.A. 40-2,215 and K.S.A. 65-2837, to incorporate the ban on conversion therapy for minors and redefine unprofessional conduct accordingly. It also repeals conflicting sections, notably removing provisions that previously allowed abortion procedures via telemedicine, thereby clarifying that conversion therapy is not authorized through telemedicine for minors. The bill introduces new definitions for various terms related to professional services in the behavioral sciences and outlines the powers and duties of the behavioral sciences regulatory board, including the authority to recommend prosecutions and establish rules for professional conduct. The legislation will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

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