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Bill

HB 1498

Therapists; prohibit from sexual relationship with patients.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Evans

Mississippi bill criminalizes sexual relationships between licensed therapists and patients to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals in therapeutic relationships.

Referred To Judiciary B
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Bill Summary · HB 1498

Legislative bill overview

HB 1498 would prohibit licensed therapists in Mississippi from engaging in sexual relationships with their patients. The bill establishes legal consequences for therapists who violate this prohibition, creating both criminal and professional disciplinary liability.

Why is this important

Therapists hold positions of significant power over vulnerable patients, making sexual relationships inherently coercive regardless of stated consent. This legislation protects patients from exploitation and establishes clear ethical and legal boundaries in a therapeutic context where dependency relationships naturally develop.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Whether the prohibition applies only to active treatment relationships or extends to former patients, and if so, for how long after treatment ends
  • Enforcement mechanism: Questions about criminal penalties versus professional licensing board discipline, and which agency bears investigative responsibility
  • Existing protections: Mississippi likely has some professional ethics rules already; clarification needed on whether this creates new criminal liability or simply codifies existing standards

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

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