Healthcare

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 486: PSYCHOLOGISTS: Provides relative to the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)

HB 486 enacts Louisiana's participation in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing psychologists licensed in Louisiana to provide telepsychology services (via video or phone) and temporary in-person care (up to 30 days per year) in other participating states without obtaining additional licenses. The bill establishes a $50 fee for Louisiana-licensed psychologists using the compact and requires states to share information on licensure and disciplinary actions to protect public safety. It defines key terms like "home state" (Louisiana for the psychologist) and "distant state" (the state where temporary care occurs), while ensuring the compact does not apply to permanent in-person practice. This aims to increase access to psychological services across state lines while maintaining regulatory oversight through shared information and commission oversight.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables cross-state telepsychology services, expanding mental health access without additional licensing, aligning with support indicators for improved patient access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 946: HEALTH: Provides relative to penalties for noncompliance with Federal requirements for healthcare cost publication (OR +$389,507 GF EX See Note)

HB 946 requires Louisiana hospitals to comply with federal pricing transparency rules (45 CFR Part 180) by publishing standardized pricing information. It mandates the state health department to verify compliance annually and publicly list non-compliant hospitals starting January 1, 2027. Hospitals failing to meet these requirements cannot pursue debt collection for services provided after that date, and patients may sue if collection actions occur. If found non-compliant, hospitals must refund payments, pay penalties, dismiss legal actions, or remove credit reports related to the debt. The bill directly affects hospitals, patients, and healthcare billing practices, focusing on enforcing federal transparency rules with clear consequences for noncompliance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates hospital pricing transparency, protects patients from debt collection without price info, and enables lawsuits - advancing patient access and rights95% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 869: INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to expand glucose-improving medications coverage to individuals based on body mass index (OR INCREASE EX See Note)

HB 869 requires Louisiana health insurance plans to cover FDA-approved injectable drugs for lowering glucose levels or treating obesity (BMI ≥30) when prescribed for prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or obesity. It applies to all new or renewed health plans starting January 1, 2026, with existing plans converting by January 1, 2027. Coverage must include these drugs if they're on the insurer's formulary, medically necessary, and prescribed by a healthcare provider. This directly affects Louisiana residents diagnosed with qualifying conditions who rely on these medications. The bill does not mandate coverage for all weight loss drugs, only those approved for specific medical uses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for FDA-approved glucose/obesity drugs for specified conditions, expanding patient access to treatment under medical necessity criteria.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 792: CORRECTIONS/PRISONERS: Provides relative to the creation of screening procedures for the purpose of testing inmates for certain infectious diseases

HB 792 requires Louisiana state correctional facilities to implement standardized screening for HIV and hepatitis C virus at inmate intake or within 72 hours of incarceration. It mandates that inmates may decline screening without penalty, and all results remain confidential for medical purposes only. Parish jails may participate in the program but must receive legislative funding for reimbursement of screening costs, with the state covering treatment expenses through existing state or federal programs. The bill also establishes annual reporting requirements for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to track screening rates, positive cases, treatment access, and fiscal impacts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates HIV/hepatitis C screening in prisons with confidentiality and state-funded treatment, advancing inmate health care within corrections reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates HIV/hepatitis C screening in correctional facilities with state-covered treatment, advancing public health through early detection and care for infectious diseases.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 591: INSURANCE: Creates the Paid Family Leave Insurance Act

HB 591 proposes creating a new "Paid Family Leave Insurance Act" in Louisiana, allowing insurers to offer voluntary wage replacement coverage for employees taking time off for specific family reasons. The bill would enable employers or employees to purchase insurance policies covering up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually for qualifying events like a new child’s birth/adoption, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or addressing military-related exigencies. Key provisions require policies to specify minimum benefit amounts (at least two weeks of coverage within 52 weeks), define eligibility, and detail how benefits are calculated based on wages. This legislation, currently pending in the Louisiana legislature, would establish a state-regulated insurance framework but does not mandate employer coverage or create a state-run program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates insurance coverage for leave to care for family members with serious health conditions, expanding access to healthcare support services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates framework for voluntary paid family leave insurance, expanding worker benefits for family care events (birth, adoption, family health care). Directly strengthens employment standards and workers' rights through wage replacement coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 572: SCHOOLS: Creates the Resilient Youth and Trauma-Informed Schools Grant Pilot Program (OR +$201,705 GF EX See Note)

HB 572 creates Louisiana's Resilient Youth and Trauma-Informed Schools Grant Pilot Program to support public schools with 60% or more students eligible for free/reduced lunch. The program provides grants for schools to hire counselors/social workers, train staff in trauma-informed practices, implement social-emotional learning curricula, and establish community mentorship networks. Participating schools must collaborate with Louisiana universities to track attendance, discipline, and mental health outcomes, reporting annually to the Department of Education. The program requires legislative funding and will generate annual reports for the legislature on results and recommendations. This pilot aims to improve student well-being through evidence-based school-based support services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates grants for counselors, trauma training, and social-emotional curricula in high-need schools, directly advancing student mental health and support services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds school mental health services via grants for counselors, trauma training, and SEL programs, directly supporting mental health access in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 352: STUDENTS: Provides relative to behavioral health services for public school students (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 352 requires Louisiana public school districts to create and publish policies enabling behavioral health services for students during school hours. It allows services in classrooms during instructional time (including core subjects) if parents provide a provider-approved evaluation and treatment plan showing medical necessity, with in-person supervision by certified behavior analysts required. The bill defines key terms like "medically necessary services" and mandates that schools collaborate with providers to schedule services without disrupting school operations or testing. It directly affects public school students needing behavioral health support, their parents, school administrators, and behavioral health providers.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires behavioral health services during school hours, enhancing student support and access to mental health care within educational settings.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates school policies for behavioral health services during school hours, improving student mental health access and aligning with healthcare support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Mental Health

signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SB 145: HEALTH SERVICES: Provides relative to adult residential care providers. (gov sig)

SB 145 requires all licensed adult residential care facilities in Louisiana to install and maintain a backup generator or approved alternative power source. This system must provide continuous electricity for critical functions during outages, including life safety systems, medical equipment, water/sanitation systems, medication storage, and specific HVAC requirements (50% for pre-2026 facilities, 90% for post-2026 facilities). Facilities must have fuel for 72 hours of continuous operation, with fuel delivery agreements extending to 168 hours, and must submit annual emergency plans if granted a waiver for space constraints. The law applies directly to all licensed adult residential care providers in Louisiana, with compliance required by December 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires backup power for medical equipment, life safety, and medication storage in care facilities, ensuring continuity of healthcare services during outages.92% confidence

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 684: JUVENILES: Provides a diversion program for juveniles stopped or detained for misdemeanor offenses

HB 684 creates a pre-arrest diversion program for Louisiana juveniles (under 18) charged with their first nonviolent misdemeanor offense. Instead of arresting them, police must offer a civil citation allowing access to mental health services, victim restitution, or family support programs within 90 days. The program prohibits fines, fees, or criminal records for participants and requires law enforcement to report annual data on juvenile stops, program completion, and recidivism. It applies only to non-dangerous situations without weapons or immediate threats. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with implementation rules due by December 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDiverts juveniles from arrest for nonviolent misdemeanors, offering services instead of criminal records, reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates access to mental health services as a core component of juvenile diversion, directly advancing mental health care access for minors without criminal penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement Policing Mental Health

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 36: PUBLIC HEALTH: Provides relative to vaccines. (8/1/26)

SB 36, a Louisiana bill, prohibits using food as a delivery method for mRNA vaccines and mandates detailed informed consent for all vaccinations. It requires healthcare providers to give patients specific written information about the vaccine's purpose, technology, benefits, and risks before administration. The bill also restricts when consent can be obtained, banning it within 48 hours of anesthesia, 12 hours after childbirth, or 24 hours after narcotic medication. These provisions directly affect healthcare providers and patients receiving vaccines in Louisiana.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates detailed informed consent for vaccinations, protecting patient rights by requiring specific written information about vaccine purpose, technology, benefits, and risks before administration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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