Pennsylvania Governor Signs Executive Order Banning Conversion Therapy

metroweekly.com:

executive order barring conversion therapy, which attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, for people of all ages.Taking unilateral action after the failure of the Republican-led legislature to even consider bills seeking to ban conversion therapy for minors, Wolf has directed state agencies to discourage the practice and instead promote evidence-based practices for supporting LGBTQ individuals who may be struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity.The order also directs the state’s Department of Human Services, Insurance Department, and other agencies to ensure state funds, programs, and contracts are not being used to subject minors to conversion therapy, refer people to therapists who engage in the practice, or provide reimbursement for the therapy.

It also directs agencies to investigate any reports of claims that have been paid for conversion therapy through the state’s Medicaid program, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or private insurance.The order ensures training for child welfare staff to support LGBTQ youth and their families, and sets the stage for licensing boards to discipline health professionals who violate ethical or professional standards by providing the therapy.

The order does not deal with those who perform conversion therapy in a religious role, such as a priest, rabbi, or church elder.

Beyond prohibiting reimbursement for conversion therapy, the executive order directs the commonwealth’s Insurance Department to investigate complaints that insurers are automatically or categorically denying coverage for gender-affirming health care treatments.