City of Philadelphia - File #: 161111

• File #: 161111
• Version: 0
• Type: Bill
• Status: ENACTED
• File created: 12/8/2016
• In control: Committee on Public Health and Human Services
• Final action: 6/22/2017
• Title: Amending Chapter 9-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Professions," to add a new Section 9-903, entitled "Conversion Therapy," adding definitions and prohibiting the practice of conversion therapy by mental health providers on patients under 18 years of age, under certain terms and conditions.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Squilla
• Indexes: CONVERSION THERAPY
• Code sections: 9-900 - Professions, 9-903 - Conversion Therapy

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
7/11/2017	0	MAYOR	SIGNED
6/22/2017	0	CITY COUNCIL	READ AND PASSED	Pass	17:0
6/15/2017	0	CITY COUNCIL	ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR
6/15/2017	0	CITY COUNCIL	SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL	Pass
6/15/2017	0	CITY COUNCIL	READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR
6/12/2017	0	Committee on Public Health and Human Services	HEARING NOTICES SENT
6/12/2017	0	Committee on Public Health and Human Services	HEARING HELD
6/12/2017	0	Committee on Public Health and Human Services	REPORTED FAVORABLY, RULE SUSPENSION REQUESTED
12/8/2016	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Referred	Pass

Title
Amending Chapter 9-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Professions," to add a new Section 9-903, entitled "Conversion Therapy," adding definitions and prohibiting the practice of conversion therapy by mental health providers on patients under 18 years of age, under certain terms and conditions.

Body
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 9-900 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 9-900. PROFESSIONS.

* * *

§ 9-903. Conversion Therapy.

(1) Definitions.

(a) Conversion Therapy. Any practice by a Mental Health Provider that seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex. The term does not include therapies that:

(i) Provide acceptance, support and understanding for the facilitation of an individual's coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, including sexual orientation-neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices, without seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity; or

(ii) Provide assistance to an individual undergoing gender transition.

(b) Mental Health Provider. An individual who is licensed, registered or certified under Pennsylvania law to provide mental health services, including but not limited to a: Medical doctor or osteopath, including one who specializes in psychiatry; nurse; psychologist; social worker, marriage and family therapist or professional counselor; or any other person who provides counseling or mental health or behavioral health services as a part of the person's professional training or practice under Pennsylvania law or rule; or any student, intern, volunteer, or other person assisting or acting under the direction or guidance of any of t...