HB 404 establishes a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for incarcerated individuals in Louisiana state and local correctional facilities who have substance abuse disorders. The bill requires facilities to provide FDA-approved medications (like methadone or buprenorphine), individual treatment plans, counseling, and reentry support - including Medicaid enrollment assistance, housing/employment resources, and a one-week medication supply upon release. It mandates annual reporting on program effectiveness, including recidivism and health outcomes, and prohibits denying program access based on drug screenings or past disciplinary issues. The program directly affects all incarcerated people in Louisiana facilities with substance use disorders, aiming to improve treatment continuity and reduce relapse post-release.
HB 301 creates the "Independent Contractor Voluntary Portable Benefits Act," allowing independent contractors in Louisiana to establish portable benefit accounts. These accounts, owned by the contractor and not tied to any specific employer, can be funded through voluntary contributions from hiring parties (like companies) or the contractors themselves, with clear opt-in and opt-out requirements. Key provisions include allowing contributions for health insurance, retirement, disability, and other benefits, while explicitly stating these contributions cannot be used to determine employment status or create employer liability under state labor laws. The bill directly affects independent contractors by providing a mechanism to access portable benefits across multiple clients.
HB 561 requires Louisiana employers with 20+ employees to grant up to 160 hours of unpaid leave for employees undergoing living organ donation procedures. It mandates employers to provide this leave without retaliation, allowing employees to request time off for medical procedures related to donating an organ (like a kidney or part of the liver). Employers may require verification from a healthcare provider to confirm the need and duration of the leave. This law directly affects living organ donors employed by qualifying Louisiana businesses, ensuring they can take time off for donation without losing their job.
HB 470 establishes Louisiana's Workforce Equity and Opportunity Program to support low-income residents from underrepresented minority groups in high-growth sectors like clean energy, healthcare, and information technology. The bill provides grants to training providers (with at least 60% of participants meeting targeted criteria) and direct financial support covering training costs, living expenses during training, and certification fees for eligible individuals. It prioritizes Historically Black Colleges and Universities and community colleges in low-income areas, allocating $10 million annually for implementation while requiring employer partnerships for guaranteed interviews and prevailing-wage jobs upon program completion.
SB 144 amends Louisiana law to clarify that hospital service districts must cooperate with other public and private healthcare providers serving district residents. It updates the statutory purpose of these districts to explicitly include working with hospitals, clinics, and health agencies. This change directly affects Louisiana hospital service districts and their governing bodies, requiring them to formally engage with broader healthcare networks. The bill does not create new programs or funding but refines existing cooperative obligations under state law.
HB 807 establishes a special fund within Louisiana's state treasury to support the Community and Technical College System's workforce training programs. It directly affects community colleges and private-sector employers in high-demand industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology by providing funding to hire more instructors and expand training capacity. Key provisions include using the fund for rapid-response instructor deployment, recruitment incentives, temporary instructors, and salary supplements - while prohibiting these funds from replacing existing state higher education funding. The program requires annual reporting to legislative committees on fund usage, supported industries, and credentials awarded.
HB 199 extends Louisiana's existing ban on new nursing facilities and additional nursing home beds until July 1, 2032, replacing the previous 2027 end date. This moratorium directly affects nursing facility developers, operators seeking to expand capacity, and communities planning new healthcare infrastructure. The bill modifies a specific statute (R.S. 40:2116.1(B)(1)) to set a new termination date, maintaining the current restriction without exceptions. The key change is simply prolonging the existing policy, with no new requirements or funding mechanisms added.
HB 747 establishes a new licensure pathway for medical psychologists in Louisiana, replacing the previous "certificate of advanced practice" requirement. It requires medical psychologists to meet specific qualifications - including three years of experience, treatment of 100+ patients using medications like antidepressants, and recommendations from collaborating physicians - to obtain an advanced practice license. The bill mandates that patients treated by these professionals must have an established primary care provider overseeing their overall medical care. Licensing fees are set at $325 for initial issuance and $300 for renewal, with provisions for license reinstatement after expiration. The law directly affects medical psychologists seeking licensure and their patients, while eliminating dual licensure requirements with the existing psychology board.
HB 920 requires drug manufacturers to limit out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1 medications (used for diabetes and obesity treatment) under health insurance plans in Louisiana. It caps patient costs at $200 per 30-day prescription, regardless of the specific medication or medical condition. The bill also mandates that Louisiana Medicaid cover GLP-1 medications without condition-based restrictions when prescribed. These provisions apply to all health coverage plans, including Medicaid, and may require federal waiver approvals for implementation. The bill is currently in the prefiling stage with no votes recorded.
SB 38 amends Louisiana's nursing facility licensing laws to address license revocation during emergencies. It requires the Louisiana Department of Health to hold revoked licenses in abeyance and reissue them to qualified operators if a facility's license is revoked due to evacuation failures during a declared emergency (e.g., hurricanes), ensuring continuity of care. This applies specifically to facilities without an alternative nursing home within 10 miles and prevents the usual facility review requirements from delaying reissuance. The law directly affects nursing facilities operating during emergencies, the Department of Health (as the licensing authority), and potential new operators seeking to reopen facilities.
