(a)  No licensed professional shall advertise for or engage in conversion therapy efforts with or relating to a patient(s) under the age of eighteen (18).

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 23-94-3

  • Conversion therapy: means any practices or treatments that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender. See Rhode Island General Laws 23-94-2
  • Department: means the Rhode Island department of health. See Rhode Island General Laws 23-94-2
  • Licensed professional: means any licensed medical, mental health, or human services professional licensed pursuant to title 5 including, but not limited to: any psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, nurse, mental health professional, human services professional, under any provisions of the general law, rule or regulation to the contrary. See Rhode Island General Laws 23-94-2

(b)  Any conversion therapy practiced by a licensed professional, as defined in § 23-94-2, on a patient under the age of eighteen (18) shall be considered unprofessional conduct and shall subject them to discipline by the department, which discipline may include suspension and revocation of the professional’s license.

(c)  The department is hereby authorized to initiate proceedings for violations of this section.

(d)  The department shall promulgate rules in accordance with the provisions of this section. These rules and regulations shall include, but not be limited to, a clear distinction between conversion therapy and other types of medically or clinically recognized therapies and practices, including, but not limited to, those practices referenced in § 23-94-2(1)(ii).

History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 186, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 328, § 2.