summary
Introduced
10/14/2025
10/14/2025
In Committee
10/14/2025
10/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Sexual Exploitation in Psychotherapy, Professional Health Services, and Professional Mental Health Services Act. Changes the long title of the Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Therapist Abuse Prevention and Accountability Act. Provides that a cause of action against a therapist or unlicensed health professional for abuse exists for a client or former client for injury caused by the abuse by the therapist or unlicensed health professional, if the abuse occurred: (1) during the period the client was receiving therapy from the therapist or health services from the unlicensed health professional or (2) within 2 years after the period the client received therapy from the therapist or health services from the unlicensed health professional. Provides that the consent of the client or former client is not a defense to a cause of action under this provision. Provides that a person is deemed incapable of consent when he or she is a person who is in a therapeutic relationship or has been in a therapeutic relationship within the previous 2 years with the therapist. Provides that a therapist must report any observed or suspected therapist abuse to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and to a local law enforcement agency. Provides that failure to report the abuse is subject to the criminal penalties provided in the Criminal Code of 2012 and disciplinary action by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Makes other changes. Defines terms. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to make conforming changes.
AI Summary
This bill aims to strengthen protections against therapist abuse by establishing clearer legal definitions, reporting requirements, and penalties for misconduct. The legislation expands the definition of abuse to include sexual contact, exploitation, and physical harm perpetrated by a therapist against a client during or within two years after the therapeutic relationship. The bill creates new criminal penalties for therapist abuse, making it a Class 3 felony (or Class 2 felony if the victim is under 18 or a vulnerable adult), and mandates that any therapist convicted of abuse immediately forfeit their professional license and be permanently barred from practicing therapy in the state. The legislation also requires therapists to report observed or suspected abuse to professional regulatory agencies and local law enforcement, with potential criminal and disciplinary consequences for failure to report. Additionally, the bill introduces mandatory annual ethics training for licensed therapists, allows for temporary license suspension during abuse investigations, establishes a public awareness campaign about client rights, and provides counseling and legal assistance for victims of therapist abuse. Notably, the bill explicitly states that a client's consent is not a defense to abuse, recognizing the inherent power imbalance in therapeutic relationships.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 10/14/2025)
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