Healthcare

signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 426: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Provides relative to the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority. (2/3CA7s2.1(A)) (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)

This bill updates Louisiana laws governing the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority to establish a formal regulatory framework for addiction counseling professionals. It creates new categories of credentials including peer support specialists and peer support specialist associates, defining their roles, training requirements, and supervision needs. The legislation also introduces criminal background checks, renewal procedures, and fee structures for the board, while expanding definitions to include gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders. These changes aim to standardize how addiction counseling services are licensed and supervised in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes regulatory framework for addiction counseling professionals, creates new credential categories, and expands definitions to improve mental health service access and quality.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 1030: MEDICAID: Provides relative to nonemergency medical transportation for individuals with mental illness (RE NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill allows mental health institutions in Louisiana to provide nonemergency medical transportation for their Medicaid patients using their own vehicles or contracted providers. It establishes that these transportation services will be reimbursed through Medicaid at the same rates as standard nonemergency medical transportation, with managed care organizations required to pay at least those rates directly to the institutions. The law specifically limits transportation to trips related to psychiatric services, such as admission, discharge, or travel between the institution and a patient's home, while excluding other medical services like dental or pharmacy visits. Institutions must still follow all existing state and federal safety and operational requirements for vehicles and drivers. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicaid transportation services for mental health patients, improving access to care and funding institutional transportation at standard rates.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1121: HEALTH CARE/PROVIDERS: Authorizes certain healthcare entities to refuse to provide healthcare services under certain circumstances

This bill allows healthcare providers, institutions, and payors in Louisiana to refuse to provide or fund certain medical services based on their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. It defines "conscience" to include religious guidelines and protects those who object to services like abortion or contraception from facing retaliation such as job termination, license revocation, or other adverse employment actions. The law also prohibits employers from punishing healthcare professionals for providing treatments patients have consented to, while explicitly exempting religious organizations from certain employment and staffing requirements. Emergency care obligations remain unchanged, and the bill does not apply to discrimination in insurance purchasing or good-faith accommodation efforts.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts patient access to healthcare services by allowing providers to refuse care based on beliefs, limiting coverage and access to certain medical treatments.95% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill restricts worker protections by allowing healthcare providers to refuse services based on beliefs and protecting them from retaliation, limiting patient access and employment obligations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1116: HEALTH/LDH: Provides relative to public health reviews conducted and public health guidance issued by the surgeon general

This bill establishes a formal process for the Louisiana Surgeon General to conduct public health reviews and issue guidance on health issues. It allows the Surgeon General to access medical records and health information from hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers when investigating public health concerns like disease outbreaks or health emergencies. The law requires the Office of Public Health to create procedures for requesting these reviews and mandates that all records and review conclusions remain confidential and protected from legal discovery. Additionally, the bill ensures that review findings cannot be used to discipline healthcare providers or be shared with licensing boards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens public health infrastructure by enabling Surgeon General to conduct reviews and access records during health emergencies, improving disease outbreak response capabilities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1117: INSURANCE: Provides relative to certain insurer contractual payments and prescriptive period

This bill requires insurance contracts in Louisiana to include a minimum prescriptive period of 24 months for first-party claims and one year for other claims, preventing insurers from limiting the time policyholders have to file lawsuits. It also clarifies that making a payment under an insurance contract does not reset or extend the deadline for filing a claim. The law applies to insurance policies covering residents or property located in Louisiana, including health and accident policies for state residents.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by preventing insurers from limiting time to file lawsuits, ensuring access to legal recourse for health claims.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

passed · Louisiana · House Mar 17, 2026

HR 12: SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Recognizes March 17, 2026, as Nurse Practitioner Day at the state capitol

This bill designates March 17, 2026, as Nurse Practitioner Day at the Louisiana state capitol to honor the contributions of nurse practitioners in the state. The resolution recognizes the role of nurse practitioners in providing healthcare services and expanding access to care across Louisiana. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the profession. The measure is procedural and does not create new regulations or alter existing healthcare practices.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors nurse practitioners and recognizes their role in expanding healthcare access, showing supportive stance toward healthcare professionals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 984: MALPRACTICE/MEDICAL: Provides relative to medical malpractice and the limitation of recovery

This bill updates Louisiana's medical malpractice laws by setting a cap on the total amount patients can recover for injuries or death, excluding future medical costs. It directly affects patients seeking compensation from healthcare providers and the state for medical errors. The key provision establishes a $575,000 limit on recoverable damages, with future medical care and related benefits paid separately without being subject to this cap. The bill also outlines procedures for handling claims that include both immediate damages and future medical expenses, specifying how payments should be processed through state risk management offices.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill caps medical malpractice damages, limiting patient compensation for medical errors and restricting access to full recovery for healthcare-related injuries.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 414: CONSUMERS: Provides for the Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act. (gov sig)

This bill establishes the Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act to limit how medical creditors and debt collectors can pursue unpaid medical bills for medically necessary care. It directly affects consumers who owe money for healthcare services, including prescription drugs and transportation to medical appointments. The law caps interest on such debt at two percent per annum, prohibits wage garnishment and liens on primary homes or vehicles unless income exceeds four times the federal poverty level, and requires contracts with debt collectors to include specific restrictions. Violations can result in civil penalties, public complaints filed with the attorney general, and private lawsuits allowing recovery of damages and attorney fees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects consumers from aggressive medical debt collection practices, limits interest rates, and prevents wage garnishment on primary homes or vehicles, thereby strengthening patient financial protection in healthcare.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1139: MENTAL HEALTH: Requires certain behavioral health services for patients receiving treatment pursuant to an emergency certificate

This bill requires healthcare facilities in Louisiana to provide specific behavioral health services to patients admitted under emergency certificates. Upon admission, facilities must conduct a behavioral health evaluation within 72 hours and contact the patient's primary healthcare provider to review treatment history. At discharge, staff must notify healthcare professionals about the patient's release, provide a medical summary to follow-up providers, distribute educational materials about warning signs and privacy rights, and ensure patients receive at least a 14-day medication supply. The law also mandates that the Louisiana Department of Health create and publish these educational documents for patients and their families.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates behavioral health evaluations and provider communication for emergency mental health patients, strengthening mental health services and patient care continuity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1150: STUDENTS: Requires the administration of trauma screenings to public school students (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)

This bill requires Louisiana public schools to administer trauma screenings to all students from prekindergarten through twelfth grade each school year. The Louisiana Department of Health will select and provide a screening tool to each school board to facilitate these assessments. The legislation directly affects public school administrators, teachers, and students by mandating regular mental health evaluations. Schools must implement this screening process as part of their standard operations without additional funding specified in the text.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates trauma screenings to support student mental health and well-being in K-12 education, enhancing student programs and educational access.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates trauma screenings in schools, directly supporting mental health services and student well-being.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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