The proposed bill seeks to amend chapter 43-41 of the North Dakota Century Code by introducing a new section that regulates the practices of social workers concerning individuals questioning their sexuality or gender identity. The bill defines "conversion therapy" as any treatment or practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. It establishes that engaging in conversion therapy is considered an ethical violation for licensed social workers. However, it clarifies that providing counseling to individuals questioning their sexuality or gender identity, with the intent to align their identity with personal or spiritual beliefs, is not an ethical violation, provided that the counseling does not attempt to change the individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions that licensed social workers must adhere to when providing treatment under this section. These include ensuring that practices align with the individual's self-determination, disclosing the nature of the treatment to the individual, and obtaining authorization from the individual or their parent/guardian before proceeding with any treatment. The amendments replace previous language regarding ethics and counseling practices, emphasizing the importance of respecting individual autonomy and informed consent in therapeutic settings.