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

SB 168 amends Louisiana's regulatory framework for addiction counseling by defining key terms and establishing new credentialing pathways for peer support specialists. It creates specific roles like "peer support specialist associates" and "supervisors," outlines their scope of practice (non-clinical support based on lived experience), and clarifies that peer services complement, but do not replace, clinical treatment. The bill also defines "addictive disorder," "behavioral health condition," and "core functions" (e.g., screening, assessment, case management) for addiction counselors. This procedural bill focuses on regulatory structure rather than direct service changes and is currently pending referral to the Health and Welfare Committee.