Bill

Bill > HB1371


MS HB1371

MS HB1371
Therapists; create a felony for those who have sexual contact with patients.


summary

Introduced
01/16/2023
In Committee
02/14/2023
Crossed Over
02/02/2023
Passed
Dead
02/28/2023

Introduced Session

2023 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Create New Section 97-3-102, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide A Crime For A Therapist Who Engages In Sexual Contact With A Patient; To Amend Section 97-3-95, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Include The Term "therapist" In The Provision Of Law That Regulates The Crime Of Sexual Battery; To Amend Section 73-54-29, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Add Engaging In Sexual Contact With A Patient To The Grounds For Disciplinary Action Of Marriage And Family Therapists; To Amend Section 73-53-17, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Add Engaging In Sexual Contact With A Patient To The Grounds For Disciplinary Action Of Social Workers; To Amend Section 73-30-21, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Add Engaging In Sexual Contact With A Patient To The Grounds For Disciplinary Action Of Licensed Professional Counselors; To Amend Section 73-31-21, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Add Engaging In Sexual Contact With A Patient To The Grounds For Disciplinary Action Of Psychologists; To Amend Section 73-25-29, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Add Engaging In Sexual Contact With A Patient To The Grounds For Disciplinary Action Of Physicians; To Bring Forward Section 97-3-97, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Provides Definitions For The Crime Of Sexual Battery; To Bring Forward Section 97-3-101, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Provides The Penalties For The Crime Of Sexual Battery; To Provide Additional Immunity For Any Person Who, In Good Faith, Reports Abuse, Neglect Or Commercial Sexual Exploitation; To Require Any Person Or Entity Who Learns That An Adult Was Abused As A Child By A Person Who Was Or Is Associated With The Person Or Entity; To Provide Immunity To Such Person For Reporting; To Amend Sections 43-21-353 And 97-3-54.1, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide Immunity For The Reporter Of Sexual Abuse Which May Be Incurred As A Result Of Reporting; To Bring Forward Section 97-5-51, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Provides For Mandatory Reporting, For Purposes Of Amendment; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill creates a new felony for therapists who engage in sexual contact with their patients, even if the patient consents. It also adds "therapist" to the definition of sexual battery and grounds for disciplinary action for various licensed professions, including marriage and family therapists, social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, and physicians. The bill provides immunity for anyone who in good faith reports abuse, neglect, or commercial sexual exploitation, and requires mandatory reporting of abuse of adults that occurred when they were children. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to provide further protections and procedures related to the reporting of sexual abuse. This bill aims to strengthen the laws against sexual misconduct by therapists and expand mandatory reporting requirements.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/28/2023)

Bill Topics

Health
  • ‐ Regulation of Health-Related Occupations and Services
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
  • ‐ Child Abuse and Child Custody
  • ‐ Sex Offenses, Child Pornography, and Sexual Assault

bill text


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