HB 1420 -- CENTERS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SEXUALLY DEVIANT BEHAVIORS

SPONSOR: Sauls

This bill prohibits a person or private entity from establishing a center for the treatment of sexually deviant behavior without a license issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

If an applicant meets all of the requirements and submits a $200 licensing fee, the Department shall issue a one year license. An application for renewal must be submitted annually along with a $200 license renewal fee and the Department is required to perform an annual on-site inspection.

The bill allows for the license holder or operator to apply for a legal transfer of operational responsibilities during the current license period.

When the Department refuses to issue, suspends, or revokes a license the center may request a hearing by the Administrative Hearing Commission.

This bill requires a licensed center to ensure that at least one member of the staff is a physician, psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, or marital and family therapist who shall exclusively provide scientific proven treatment and shall not involve physical violence.

A violation of these provisions is a class A misdemeanor.

This bill is similar to HB 560 (2023) and HB 2060 (2022).

Statutes affected:
Introduced (3689H.01): 197.950, 197.955, 197.960, 197.965, 197.970, 197.975, 197.980