Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services |
HB 1882
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: Reviewing sexual orientation change efforts for children.
Sponsors: Representatives Liias, Jinkins, Habib, Kagi, Upthegrove, Fey, Riccelli, Sells, Ormsby, Fitzgibbon, Orwall, Roberts, Moeller, Ryu and Pedersen.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 4/4/13
Staff: Mary Mulholland (786-7391).
Background:
Sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) attempt to change the sexual orientation of a person from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual, and are sometimes referred to as reparative or conversion therapy. The assumption of SOCE is that homosexuality and bisexuality are mental disorders.
Summary of Bill:
The bill directs the Department of Health (Department) to establish a work group to review and make recommendations on the practice of SOCE on persons under age 18 in Washington.
The work group may include no more than 15 members representing various mental health providers, and must include the following:
(1) One licensed mental health counselor;
(2) One licensed marriage and family therapist;
(3) One licensed independent clinical social worker;
(4) One licensed advanced social worker;
(5) One licensed psychologist who is a member of the examining Board of Psychology;
(6) One licensed physician who specializes in psychiatry;
(7) One licensed osteopathic physician who specializes in psychiatry;
(8) One member of the faith community who is also a licensed mental health professional; and
(9) One member of the public.
In addition, the Department must make reasonable efforts to recruit a SOCE practitioner to serve on the work group.
The work group must evaluate research in peer-reviewed journals and other reliable sources on SOCE for persons under age 18 to identify potential harms related to SOCE and develop recommendations on how to protect patients from potential harm. To inform the efforts of the work group, the Department must contract with the Washington State Institute of Public Policy to conduct a review of research on SOCE for persons under age 18.
The work group will hold one public meeting on each side of the Cascade crest, which may be in person or through an electronic connection. The Department will establish an opportunity for individuals to submit confidential comments to the work group in writing or electronically.
The work group will report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the appropriate committees of the Legislature, and the disciplining authorities for licensed mental health providers by December 15, 2013.
The bill expires on January 1, 2014.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.