This bill requires Louisiana public schools to allow behavioral health and primary care providers to deliver medically necessary services to students during school hours if a parent or guardian requests them. It mandates that school districts create policies permitting these services without creating barriers, while clarifying that schools are not required to establish or fund such clinics. Key provisions include insurance requirements for providers, criminal background checks for staff, and rules ensuring parents can choose their own providers without school interference. The legislation also establishes that these services do not count as special education evaluations and outlines procedures for scheduling care around academic activities.
This bill requires the Louisiana Department of Health to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent rural health clinics and provider-based rural health clinics. It mandates that independent clinics receive the same payment rates as provider-based clinics to ensure fair compensation for services provided in rural areas. The Department of Health must prepare necessary state plan amendments or adopt rules to implement this change, with implementation required by October 1, 2026. This policy directly affects rural health clinics in Louisiana that participate in the Medicaid program.
HB 775 modifies Louisiana law to expand when minors can consent to medical care without parental permission. It allows minors aged 13-17 to consent to treatment for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, substance misuse, and certain emergencies (like abuse or neglect), while requiring parental access to medical records. The bill also prohibits schools or facilities from providing preventive care to minors without parental consent and shields healthcare providers from liability for following these rules. It repeals prior provisions that permitted broader minor consent or school-based care without parental involvement. This directly affects minors, parents/guardians, healthcare providers, and schools in Louisiana.
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 218 requires Louisiana public schools to screen all students in grades K-12 for food insecurity at enrollment and once per semester, plus during school health clinic visits. The bill mandates using a free, age-appropriate screening tool selected by the state Department of Education and Health, with results kept confidential except for parents/guardians or authorized school staff. Schools must refer identified students to resources like meal programs, food pantries, and public assistance. Charter schools are exempt from this requirement under Section 3996(B)(24), but the bill applies directly to public school students and their families.
SB 155 requires Louisiana health insurers to cover medically necessary dental procedures directly related to cancer treatment, such as infection prevention/treatment or addressing tooth decay caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or biological therapy. It specifically covers procedures within 30 days before treatment, during treatment, or as a result of treatment (including obturators for oral cavity defects), but excludes routine preventive care like cleanings. The law applies to all new health insurance plans issued on or after January 1, 2027, with existing plans required to comply by January 1, 2028. It does not apply to short-term policies, limited-benefit plans, or excepted benefits.
