SB 124 clarifies that peer review records for healthcare providers and facilities in Louisiana are confidential, meaning they cannot be disclosed in court or through discovery, except when a provider's professional privileges are under review. It defines a "health system" as two or more hospitals under common ownership and permits such systems to share peer review information among their own hospitals for credentialing, quality improvement, or patient safety purposes without losing confidentiality. The bill also shields healthcare providers and institutions from liability when sharing peer review information in good faith for these specific uses. This bill directly affects hospitals, health systems, and healthcare providers who participate in or are subject to peer review processes.
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.
SB 242 amends Louisiana law to clarify definitions and requirements for home health agency licensure under the Louisiana Department of Health. It defines "home health aide services" as semi-skilled assistance with at least two daily living tasks, vital sign monitoring, and written reporting to healthcare professionals. The bill requires home health agencies to disclose any financial or familial ties to other home health providers when applying for or renewing their license. This directly affects home health agencies operating in Louisiana, mandating clearer service standards and transparency in ownership relationships. The bill is currently pending review by the Health and Welfare Committee.
SB 169 requires health insurance plans in Louisiana to cover biomarker testing for patients needing personalized medical treatment, such as cancer care guided by genetic markers. It defines "clinical utility" through specific criteria to ensure tests are covered without unnecessary hurdles. The law prevents insurers from denying coverage based on laboratory classifications or unrelated credentialing, ensuring the test itself - not the lab - is the focus of coverage. This directly affects patients seeking biomarker tests and insurers, reducing the need for repeated biopsies by mandating seamless coverage.
SB 30 prohibits Louisiana state agencies and licensing boards from banning telehealth services for evaluating, diagnosing, or treating obesity and related metabolic conditions. It directly affects licensed healthcare providers who use telehealth to deliver these services. The bill requires that providers may prescribe FDA-approved or compounded noncontrolled medications via telehealth while operating within their license scope and standard of care. This policy change removes regulatory barriers to telehealth for these specific conditions, without altering existing licensure requirements.
SB 275 requires Louisiana health insurers to reimburse certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at the same rate as physicians for identical services performed within a CRNA's scope of practice, regardless of billing codes. It also prohibits insurers from denying CRNAs network inclusion solely based on their provider type or licensure. The law applies to new insurance policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, and existing policies must comply by January 1, 2028. This directly affects insurers, CRNAs, and patients seeking anesthesia services covered under these plans.
