Healthcare (Mental Health)

introduced · Louisiana · Senate May 11, 2026

SR 97: SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates Monday, April 27, 2026, as Rural Mental Health Day in Louisiana.

This bill designates Monday, April 27, 2026, as Rural Mental Health Day in Louisiana to highlight the importance of mental health care in rural areas. It directly affects mental health providers and organizations like the Louisiana Rural Mental Health Alliance by formally recognizing their work in underserved communities. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to honor these groups rather than implementing new laws or funding changes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates a day to highlight mental health care in rural areas, honoring providers and organizations, which aligns with supporting mental health services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 437: HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Provides relative to treatment services provided at facilities providing housing or temporary residence for individuals referred by judicial agencies. (8/1/26) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill requires facilities that provide housing or temporary residence for individuals referred by judicial agencies to obtain a license from the Louisiana Department of Health before offering residential substance use disorder treatment. The law mandates that the Department of Health must inspect and certify these facilities as compliant with specific rules before they can provide such services to people referred by courts or other judicial bodies. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for filing complaints against unlicensed residential treatment facilities and clarifies that licensed medical professionals can still offer behavioral health services in a person's home. These changes aim to ensure that judicially referred individuals receive treatment only from facilities that meet state health and safety standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill improves rehabilitation programs by requiring licensed treatment facilities for judicial referrals, enhancing oversight and care for individuals in the criminal justice system.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates licensing and inspection for substance use disorder treatment facilities, improving quality control and patient safety in healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 1022: HEALTH/SCHOOL CLINICS: Provides relative to health services provided to students (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands access to health services for students in K-12 schools, supporting student well-being and educational access without requiring school funding.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands student access to behavioral health and primary care services in schools, removing barriers to medically necessary care while clarifying funding responsibilities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Special Education Student Health Mental Health Primary Care

Track

signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 426: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Provides relative to the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority. (2/3CA7s2.1(A)) (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)

This bill updates Louisiana laws governing the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority to establish a formal regulatory framework for addiction counseling professionals. It creates new categories of credentials including peer support specialists and peer support specialist associates, defining their roles, training requirements, and supervision needs. The legislation also introduces criminal background checks, renewal procedures, and fee structures for the board, while expanding definitions to include gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders. These changes aim to standardize how addiction counseling services are licensed and supervised in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes regulatory framework for addiction counseling professionals, creates new credential categories, and expands definitions to improve mental health service access and quality.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 1030: MEDICAID: Provides relative to nonemergency medical transportation for individuals with mental illness (RE NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill allows mental health institutions in Louisiana to provide nonemergency medical transportation for their Medicaid patients using their own vehicles or contracted providers. It establishes that these transportation services will be reimbursed through Medicaid at the same rates as standard nonemergency medical transportation, with managed care organizations required to pay at least those rates directly to the institutions. The law specifically limits transportation to trips related to psychiatric services, such as admission, discharge, or travel between the institution and a patient's home, while excluding other medical services like dental or pharmacy visits. Institutions must still follow all existing state and federal safety and operational requirements for vehicles and drivers. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicaid transportation services for mental health patients, improving access to care and funding institutional transportation at standard rates.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Prescription Drugs

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1139: MENTAL HEALTH: Requires certain behavioral health services for patients receiving treatment pursuant to an emergency certificate

This bill requires healthcare facilities in Louisiana to provide specific behavioral health services to patients admitted under emergency certificates. Upon admission, facilities must conduct a behavioral health evaluation within 72 hours and contact the patient's primary healthcare provider to review treatment history. At discharge, staff must notify healthcare professionals about the patient's release, provide a medical summary to follow-up providers, distribute educational materials about warning signs and privacy rights, and ensure patients receive at least a 14-day medication supply. The law also mandates that the Louisiana Department of Health create and publish these educational documents for patients and their families.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates behavioral health evaluations and provider communication for emergency mental health patients, strengthening mental health services and patient care continuity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1150: STUDENTS: Requires the administration of trauma screenings to public school students (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)

This bill requires Louisiana public schools to administer trauma screenings to all students from prekindergarten through twelfth grade each school year. The Louisiana Department of Health will select and provide a screening tool to each school board to facilitate these assessments. The legislation directly affects public school administrators, teachers, and students by mandating regular mental health evaluations. Schools must implement this screening process as part of their standard operations without additional funding specified in the text.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates trauma screenings to support student mental health and well-being in K-12 education, enhancing student programs and educational access.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates trauma screenings in schools, directly supporting mental health services and student well-being.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

Track

passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 27: EDUCATION/SPECIAL: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health and the state Department of Education to analyze the adequacy of autism support services in the state

This bill requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Department of Education to create a comprehensive report on the current state of autism support services in Louisiana. The report will examine diagnostic practices, service availability, and access barriers across healthcare and education sectors, involving collaboration with the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It will assess diagnostic tools, provider training, wait times, and compare Louisiana's services to other states to identify gaps and areas for improvement. The final report must be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2027, to inform future policy decisions regarding autism support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill requests analysis of autism support services in education, aiming to improve access and identify barriers for students with autism.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requests analysis of autism support services to improve access and identify barriers, indicating intent to strengthen healthcare services for this population.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 909: INSURANCE: Required coverage for behavioral health crisis services (EN INCREASE EX See Note)

This bill requires health insurance companies in Louisiana to cover mobile crisis response and behavioral health crisis care services when provided by eligible licensed providers. The law mandates that these services do not need prior authorization from insurers and allows providers to coordinate with the state's Crisis Hub for information sharing. Coverage may include standard cost-sharing options like deductibles and copayments, while reimbursement methods remain up to each insurer's discretion. The bill defines these services as short-term, recovery-focused interventions for adults and children experiencing mental health or substance use crises, with an effective date of July 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for behavioral health crisis services, expanding access to mental health care without prior authorization requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse

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