Utah § 58-1-511 - Prohibition on providing conversion therapy to a minor.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 58-1-511 — Prohibition on providing conversion therapy to a minor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 58-1-511. Prohibition on providing conversion therapy to a minor.

Effective 5/3/2023
58-1-511.  Prohibition on providing conversion therapy to a minor.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Conversion therapy" means a practice or treatment by which a health care professional intends to change a minor client's sexual orientation or gender identity, or to impose a different sexual orientation or gender identity upon a minor client, including a practice or treatment that:
(i) subjects a minor client to physical discomfort through aversive treatment that causes nausea, vomiting, or other unpleasant physical sensation;
(ii) provides electric shock or other electrical therapy, including electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation;
(iii) subjects a minor client to touching themself or another individual as part of the therapy; or
(iv) causes the minor client to engage in physical self-harm or physical self-inflicted pain.
(b) "Health care professional" means an individual who is licensed, or an individual who provides mental health therapy as part of the individual's training for a profession that is licensed, under:
(i)Chapter 31b, Nurse Practice Act;
(ii)Chapter 60, Mental Health Professional Practice Act;
(iii)Chapter 61, Psychologist Licensing Act;
(iv)Chapter 67, Utah Medical Practice Act;
(v)Chapter 68, Utah Osteopathic Medical Practice Act; or
(vi)Chapter 70a, Utah Physician Assistant Act.
(c) "Minor client" means an individual who is younger than 18 years old and who consults, is examined or interviewed by, or receives services, care, or treatment from a health care professional who is acting in their professional capacity.
(d) "Religious advisor" means an individual who is designated by a religious organization or association as clergy, minister, pastor, priest, rabbi, imam, bishop, stake president, or other spiritual advisor.
(e)
(i) "Sexual orientation" means the same as that term is defined in Section 34A-5-102.
(ii) "Sexual orientation" does not include an action that would constitute sexual abuse or sexual exploitation as those terms are defined in Section 80-1-102.
(2) A health care professional who is acting in their professional capacity may not provide conversion therapy to a minor client.
(3) A health care professional who is not intending to change a minor client's sexual orientation or gender identity, or to impose a different sexual orientation or gender identity upon a minor client, may engage in any professional and lawful conduct, including a practice or treatment by which the health care professional:
(a) is neutral with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity;
(b) provides a minor client with acceptance, support, and understanding;
(c) provides treatment to a minor client who is considering a gender transition in any direction, including exploration of the timing thereof;
(d) facilitates a minor client's social support, ability to cope, or the exploration and development of the minor client's identity, including sexual orientation or gender identity;
(e) addresses unlawful, unsafe, premarital, or extramarital sexual activities in a manner that is neutral with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity;
(f) discusses moral, philosophical, or religious beliefs or practices;
(g) addresses body-image issues, social pressure, or sex or gender stereotypes;
(h) addresses co-occurring mental health, neurological, developmental, trauma, or family issues;
(i) helps a minor client to understand and assess the stages and timing of identity development;
(j) consistent with other applicable laws, rules, orders, and ethical standards, discusses with a minor client's parent or guardian the mental health or development of a minor client; or
(k) assists the minor client to understand the medical, social, or other implications of decisions related to sexual orientation or gender identity.
(4) Subsection (2) does not apply to:
(a) an individual who is both a health care professional and a religious advisor, when the individual is acting substantially in the capacity of a religious advisor and not in the capacity of a health care professional; or
(b) an individual who is both a health care professional and a parent or grandparent, when the individual is acting substantially in the capacity of a parent or grandparent and not in the capacity of a health care professional.
(5) A violation of this section is unprofessional conduct.
(6) A rule adopted under this title that defines "unprofessional conduct" shall be consistent with this section.
(7) If any provision of this section or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance is held invalid by a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this section are severable.


Enacted by Chapter 463, 2023 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 58-1-511

What does Utah Code § 58-1-511 cover?

Section 58-1-511 ("Prohibition on providing conversion therapy to a minor.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 58-1-511?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 58-1-511" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 58-1-511 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.