Tennessee Bill Authorizing Psychology Students to Decline to Provide Services (SB 397)

SB 397 would prohibit public institutions of higher education from disciplining or discriminating against a student in a counseling, social work, or psychology program because the student refuses to counsel or serve a client as to goals, outcomes, or behaviors that conflict with a sincerely held religious belief of the student.

The bill would require the objecting student’s supervising instructor or professor, in consultation with any director or agency in which an internship or practicum may be occurring, to coordinate a referral of the client to a counselor who will provide the counseling or services.

STATUS

Companion bill to HB 566.

Similar to HB 1840 and SB 1556, both of which passed and allow professional therapists and counselors to refuse counseling or services due to their religious beliefs.

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