As used in this section and sections 19a-907a to 19a-907c, inclusive:

(1) “Conversion therapy” means any practice or treatment administered to a person under eighteen years of age that seeks to change the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including, but not limited to, any effort to change gender expression or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward persons of the same gender. “Conversion therapy” does not include counseling intended to (A) assist a person undergoing gender transition, (B) provide acceptance, support and understanding to the person, or (C) facilitate the person’s coping, social support or identity exploration and development, including, but not limited to, any therapeutic intervention that is neutral with regard to sexual orientation and seeks to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices, provided such counseling does not seek to change the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

(2) “Health care provider” means a licensed practitioner of the healing arts, as defined in section 20-1, an occupational therapist licensed pursuant to chapter 376a, an alcohol and drug counselor licensed pursuant to chapter 376b or certified pursuant to section 20-74s, a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 378, a nurse’s aide registered pursuant to chapter 378a, a board certified behavior analyst, as defined under chapter 382a, a psychologist licensed pursuant to chapter 383, a marriage and family therapist licensed pursuant to chapter 383a, a clinical social worker or master clinical social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b, a professional counselor licensed pursuant to chapter 383c, a genetic counselor licensed pursuant to chapter 383d, a pharmacist licensed pursuant to chapter 400j, a hypnotist registered with the Department of Consumer Protection pursuant to chapter 400m or any person licensed, certified or registered under comparable provisions of law outside of the state but providing professional services under such license, certification or registration in the state.

(P.A. 17-5, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 17-5 effective May 10, 2017.