Bill

Bill > HB1536


MS HB1536

MS HB1536
Therapists; create a felony for those who have sexual contact with patients.


summary

Introduced
02/19/2024
In Committee
02/19/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/05/2024

Introduced Session

2024 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 offense for a therapist who engages in sexual contact with a patient, even if the patient consents. The bill also adds "therapist" to the definition of sexual battery and adds engaging in sexual contact with a patient as grounds for disciplinary action against various licensed professionals, including marriage and family therapists, social workers, counselors, and psychologists. The bill provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for anyone who reports abuse, neglect, or commercial sexual exploitation, and requires mandatory reporting of adult abuse from childhood. The bill also makes various other changes related to reporting and investigating sexual abuse and exploitation of minors.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 03/05/2024)

Bill Topics

Health
  • ‐ Regulation of Health-Related Occupations and Services
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
  • ‐ Criminal and Juvenile Delinquent Prosecution, Procedure, and Sentencing
  • ‐ Sex Offenses, Child Pornography, and Sexual Assault

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...