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Bill

S 6179

Requires the development of guidelines to help avert retraumatization of victims of sexual offenses in a behavioral health outpatient setting

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare and 2 co-sponsors

Requires developing trauma-informed guidelines to avert retraumatization of sexual-offense survivors in outpatient behavioral health, guiding providers and clinics.

REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
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Bill Summary · S 6179

Summary of Bill S 6179

Overview

  • Bill Number: S 6179
  • Title: Requires the development of guidelines to help avert retraumatization of victims of sexual offenses in a behavioral health outpatient setting
  • Status: Referred to the Mental Health committee
  • Introduced: March 6, 2025
  • Sponsor:
    • Primary: Kevin S. Parker
    • Cosponsors: Cordell Cleare, Kristen Gonzalez
  • Related Bills (prior-session): S 2640, S 891, S 7069, S 2346, S 3765, S 3282, S 7968

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to improve care for survivors of sexual offenses who access behavioral health outpatient services. By mandating the development of guidelines, the measure aims to prevent retraumatization during outpatient treatment and ensure care is delivered in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.

Key Provisions (as indicated by bill title and status)

  • Mandated Guideline Development: The core requirement is that guidelines be developed to avert retraumatization of sexual offense victims in outpatient behavioral health settings.
  • Scope and Implementation Details: The specific content, scope (e.g., which settings, populations, types of services), development process, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms would be defined in the full bill text. The available summary notes only the overarching obligation to develop guidelines.
  • Development Process: It is typical for such legislation to specify stakeholder involvement (survivors, clinicians, advocates), collaboration with relevant state agencies, and steps for disseminating guidelines to providers, but exact details are not provided in the information available here.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Patients/Clients: Survivors of sexual offenses receiving outpatient behavioral health services.
  • Providers and Facilities: Behavioral health outpatient clinics, therapists, and other outpatient service providers who work with survivors.
  • Institutions and Agencies: State health or mental health agencies responsible for developing, endorsing, and disseminating guidelines.
  • Advocates and Stakeholders: Survivor advocacy groups and professional associations focused on trauma-informed care.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill is currently in the Mental Health committee stage.
  • First introduced on March 6, 2025.
  • Publicly listed actions show the bill being referred to Mental Health on the introduction date; no additional committee actions, amendments, or floor votes are reflected in the provided information.

Potential Impact

  • Positive Elements: Could standardize trauma-informed practices, reduce retraumatization risk, and improve safety and trust in outpatient care for sexual offense survivors.
  • Implementation Considerations: Development and adoption of guidelines may require funding, training, and time for providers to integrate new practices. The exact obligations, compliance timelines, and accountability measures will depend on the final text.
  • Policy Context: Aligns with broader efforts to ensure survivor-centered care and to integrate trauma-informed approaches within behavioral health services.

Notes

  • The summary reflects information available from the bill’s title, sponsor information, and committee status. The full legislative text will detail the precise requirements, process, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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