Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SB 5722
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Restricting the practice of conversion therapy.
Sponsors: Senators Liias, Walsh, Ranker, Pedersen, Rivers, Keiser, Fain, Frockt, Hunt and Kuderer.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/7/18
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) governs disciplinary actions for credentialed health care providers. The UDA defines acts of unprofessional conduct, establishes sanctions for such acts, and provides general procedures for addressing complaints and taking disciplinary action against a credentialed health care provider. Disciplinary responsibilities are divided between the Secretary of Health and the 16 health profession boards and commissions according to the profession that the health care provider is a member of and the relevant step in the disciplinary process.
Unprofessional conduct under the UDA includes a variety of acts such as negligence or malpractice, false advertising, convictions related to one's practice, current misuse of drugs or alcohol, betrayal of practitioner-patient privilege, practicing beyond the scope of one's profession, and misrepresentation or fraud related to the profession. Upon a finding of an act of unprofessional conduct, the disciplining authority may impose sanctions, including revocation or suspension of a license, restriction of practice, mandatory remedial education or treatment, monitoring of the practice, censure or reprimand, payment of a fine, corrective action, and refund of billing.
Summary of Bill:
The performance of conversion therapy by a licensed health care provider on a patient who is under 18 years old is unprofessional conduct. "Conversion therapy" is defined as a regime that seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The term includes efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic feelings toward individuals of the same sex.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.