OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
H.B. 220 Bill Analysis
135th General Assembly
Click here for H.B. 220’s Fiscal Note
Version: As Introduced
Primary Sponsors: Rep. Lightbody
Effective date:
Amy L. Archer, Research Analyst
SUMMARY
 Prohibits specified licensed health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy
when treating minors.
 Requires state licensing boards to sanction health professionals who practice conversion
therapy on minors.
 Exempts specified conduct that does not seek to change a minor’s sexual orientation or
gender identity from the bill’s prohibition.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Conversion therapy prohibition
The bill prohibits any licensed health professional, or any person who has applied for
health professional licensure, from engaging in conversion therapy when providing mental
health treatment to minors. Under the bill, conversion therapy is the practice of seeking to
change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes efforts to reduce or
eliminate sexual or romantic attraction toward a person of the same gender or to change
behaviors or gender expressions.1
Professions impacted
The bill applies to the following health care professionals:
 Advanced practice registered nurses designated as clinical nurse specialists;
 Physicians;
1 R.C. 4743.11(A)(2).
June 26, 2023
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
 Psychologists;
 Professional clinical counselors or professional counselors;
 Social workers and social work assistants;
 Marriage and family therapists; and
 Chemical dependency counselors, chemical dependency counselor assistants,
prevention consultants, prevention specialists, prevention specialist assistants, or
registered applicants.2
Penalties
If a health professional performs conversion therapy on a minor, the bill requires the
relevant licensing board to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew the professional’s
license or certificate of registration.3
Practices not prohibited
The bill specifies that it does not prohibit some interventions addressing a minor’s
sexual orientation or gender identity but that do not seek to change the minor’s sexual
orientation or gender identity. Health professionals may continue to assist patients with
voluntary gender transitions; provide acceptance, support, and understanding; and facilitate a
patient’s coping, social support, or identity exploration and development. Health care
professionals also may intervene to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sex
practices as long as the interventions are sexual orientation-neutral.4
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 06-21-23
ANHB0220IN-135/ks
2 R.C. 4743.11(A)(3)(b) to (g).
3 R.C. 4723.93, 4731.45, 4732.34, 4743.11(D), 4757.46, and 4758.73.
4 R.C. 4743.11(C).
P a g e |2 H.B. 220
As Introduced