Overview
- Attorney General Ken Paxton concluded that SB 14’s definition of “health care provider” includes professionals licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, such as counselors, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and social workers.
- The opinion says licensees who “facilitate” prohibited transition-related procedures for minors are ineligible for public funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, and risk revocation of their licenses.
- Paxton characterized facilitating youth transitions as child abuse and warned of consequences for both doctors and therapists, reinforcing earlier state positions on treatment for transgender minors.
- The guidance answers questions from TBHEC Executive Director Darrel Spinks, who argued SB 14 targeted medical interventions; Paxton rejected that view, noting therapy often initiates care restricted by the law.
- While not legally binding, such opinions often inform agency policy, and advocates warn the interpretation could chill access to affirming mental health care for trans youth as litigation and licensing actions continue under SB 14, which the Texas Supreme Court upheld in 2024.