HB 18-1245

House Bill 18-1245, which has been signed into law, bans mental health professionals and psychiatrists in Colorado from performing conversion therapy on patients under the age of 18. Conversion therapy is a practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, often through harmful methods that can cause emotional distress. This law applies to licensed doctors and therapists who work with minors and could result in disciplinary action if they violate it. The bill aims to protect young people from potentially damaging psychological treatments.

Official Summary

The bill prohibits a licensed physician specializing in psychiatry or a licensed, certified, 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 the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

Votes