HB 17-1156

House Bill 17-1156, which has been signed into law in Colorado, bans mental health professionals and psychiatrists from performing conversion therapy on patients under the age of 18. Conversion therapy is a practice that aims to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, often causing significant harm. The law ensures that these healthcare providers face disciplinary action if they violate this ban. This legislation protects young people from harmful practices by mental health professionals and psychiatrists in Colorado.

Official Summary

The bill prohibits a licensed physician specializing in psychiatry or a licensed or registered mental health care provider from engaging in conversion therapy with a patient under 18 years of age. A licensee who engages in these efforts is subject to disciplinary action by the appropriate licensing board. 'Conversion therapy' means efforts that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

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