Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 414: CONSUMERS: Provides for the Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act. (gov sig)

This bill establishes the Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act to limit how medical creditors and debt collectors can pursue unpaid medical bills for medically necessary care. It directly affects consumers who owe money for healthcare services, including prescription drugs and transportation to medical appointments. The law caps interest on such debt at two percent per annum, prohibits wage garnishment and liens on primary homes or vehicles unless income exceeds four times the federal poverty level, and requires contracts with debt collectors to include specific restrictions. Violations can result in civil penalties, public complaints filed with the attorney general, and private lawsuits allowing recovery of damages and attorney fees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects consumers from aggressive medical debt collection practices, limits interest rates, and prevents wage garnishment on primary homes or vehicles, thereby strengthening patient financial protection in healthcare.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 907: HEALTH CARE/PROVIDERS: Provides civil and criminal immunity for the distribution or use of Naloxone and other opioid antagonists beyond their shelf-life end date

This bill protects healthcare providers and individuals from civil and criminal liability when they distribute or use Naloxone and other opioid reversal drugs even after their labeled expiration dates have passed. It allows people acting in good faith to administer these medications to someone believed to be having an opioid overdose without fear of legal consequences, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Healthcare professionals are also shielded from disciplinary action by licensing boards for actions covered under this immunity, though federally certified facilities must still follow federal rules regarding expired medications. The law defines "shelf-life end date" based on federal labeling requirements and takes effect upon the governor's signature.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reduces legal barriers to opioid overdose treatment, supporting public health and reducing criminal justice involvement in overdose cases75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects healthcare providers and individuals from liability when administering Naloxone, encouraging overdose response and improving patient safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 404: CORR FACILITIES/JAILS: Provides for medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse in jails and prisons (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and reentry support in correctional facilities to address substance abuse, directly advancing rehabilitation and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates FDA-approved MAT, counseling, and Medicaid enrollment assistance for incarcerated individuals with substance abuse disorders, expanding access to healthcare services in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Probation & Parole Medicaid Substance Abuse

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 211: COURTS: Provides relative to the creation, administration, and eligibility requirements of the Homelessness Court program (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 211 creates Louisiana's "Homelessness Court Program," establishing specialized court divisions to address homelessness through treatment and support instead of incarceration. It directly affects individuals experiencing homelessness charged with misdemeanors or felonies related to public camping or survival needs, requiring courts to screen eligible defendants for the program. Key provisions include mandatory substance abuse and mental health treatment, housing/job assistance partnerships, and a new criminal penalty for "unauthorized camping on public property" (with exceptions for shelter access). The program aims to reduce recidivism, court workloads, and prison overcrowding by integrating health care, housing, and rehabilitation services under judicial supervision.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates Homelessness Court to divert non-violent homeless defendants from incarceration to treatment, reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation through mandated support services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health treatment for homeless defendants, directly advancing mental health services within the court program's requirements95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates Homelessness Court Program with mandatory housing/job assistance partnerships for homeless individuals charged with survival-related offenses, directly addressing homelessness through housing support rather than incarceration.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 760: MEDICAID: Provides relative to unauthorized fees charged by healthcare providers for certain treatments

HB 760 prohibits Louisiana Medicaid-enrolled healthcare providers from charging patients extra fees or co-payments for covered services related to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. The bill requires providers to accept the Medicaid program’s payment as full payment for these services, eliminating unauthorized charges. Violations could lead to the provider’s termination or exclusion from Medicaid for up to one year. This directly affects Medicaid providers and patients receiving medication-assisted treatment, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for these specific covered services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits Medicaid providers from charging extra fees for covered substance use disorder treatments, ensuring full coverage without patient cost-sharing and protecting patient access to care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Substance Abuse

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signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 43: HEALTH SERVICES: Provides relative to psychedelic-assisted therapy. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

SB 43 establishes Louisiana's Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Program within the Department of Health to fund clinical studies using psychedelic medications (like psilocybin) for treating opioid use disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant mental health conditions. The program requires academic health centers to meet strict federal and state compliance standards - including FDA approval, safety protocols, and therapist qualifications - to conduct these studies. Eligible patients, including those with the specified conditions, may participate, and parishes can use opioid settlement funds to enroll residents. The bill mandates annual progress reports from participating centers and requires coordination with other states conducting similar research. This is a research-focused program, not a policy allowing general therapeutic use.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds clinical studies for psychedelic therapy to treat mental health/substance use disorders, expanding healthcare treatment options under Department of Health oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 823: COURTS: Establishes a homeless diversion pilot program in Orleans Parish (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

HB 823 establishes a pilot program in Orleans Parish that offers homeless individuals facing criminal charges an alternative to court proceedings. Instead of traditional sentencing, eligible defendants can participate in a diversion program providing housing assistance, mental health services, job training, and substance abuse treatment. If participants successfully complete the program’s requirements, the criminal charges are dismissed without a conviction. The program requires annual evaluations and reporting to the Louisiana Supreme Court, aiming to reduce recidivism, court workload, and prison overcrowding while addressing homelessness through community partnerships.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates diversion program replacing court with housing/mental health services; dismisses charges on completion, reducing recidivism and aligning with reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides mental health services as core component of diversion program, advancing access to mental healthcare for homeless individuals facing criminal charges.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides housing assistance as core component of homeless diversion program, directly addressing homelessness through housing access and services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 676: CRIME: Creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals or "body brokering" (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 676 prohibits paying or receiving money for referring patients to substance abuse, mental health, or substance use disorder treatment facilities, defining this practice as "body brokering." It bans kickbacks tied to referral volume, treatment duration, or service type, but allows fixed payments unrelated to these factors. Violators face up to 5 years in prison, $50,000 fines, license suspension, or civil penalties. The law directly affects health care providers, facilities, and entities involved in patient referrals for substance use disorder treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBans kickbacks for mental health/substance use referrals, preventing fraud and protecting patient care integrity in healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 95: INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to health insurance coverage with respect to certain claims

HB 95 limits the amount a person can recover for medical expenses after a car accident if they had health insurance but didn't use it. It caps compensation at what their health insurance would have paid for those medical costs. This applies to standard car accident claims but does not affect workers' compensation cases under Louisiana law. The bill ensures health insurance coverage must be utilized before seeking full recovery for accident-related medical bills.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRestricts patient access to full medical expense recovery by mandating health insurance utilization before claims, limiting compensation options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Substance Abuse

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