Text of TX HB 4357 (2019)

2019S0358-1 03/06/19 By: Sanford H.B. No. 4357 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the authority of a mental health provider to offer services or counseling based on the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subtitle A, Title 3, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Chapter 113 to read as follows: CHAPTER 113. UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT BY CERTAIN HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SUBCHAPTER A. SINCERELY HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OF MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS Sec. 113.001. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter, "mental health provider" means: (1) a behavior analyst licensed under Chapter 506; (2) a chemical dependency counselor licensed under Chapter 504; (3) a licensed professional counselor licensed under Chapter 503; (4) a marriage and family therapist licensed under Chapter 502; (5) a nurse licensed under Chapter 301; (6) a physician licensed under Subtitle B; (7) a psychologist licensed under Chapter 501; (8) a sex offender treatment provider licensed under Chapter 110; (9) a social worker licensed under Chapter 505; (10) a special officer for offenders with mental impairments certified under Section 1701.404; or (11) another person licensed by this state to provide professional therapy or counseling services. Sec. 113.002. SINCERELY HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. A mental health provider is not subject to disciplinary action or civil liability for providing services or counseling based on the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.