Conversion Therapy - Prohibitions and Causes of Action

SB 950 prohibits licensed mental health providers from performing or advertising conversion therapy (efforts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity). It allows victims to file malpractice lawsuits for psychological harm caused by such therapy, removes limits on noneconomic damages in these cases, and bans providers from making false claims about conversion therapy. The bill also requires insurers covering such providers to charge a surcharge, with funds directed to a special fund supporting victims' claims. This directly affects therapy patients, mental health providers, and insurance companies in Maryland.