Article archive / June 1, 2012
Originally published: . Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 6, 7.
HB 846 establishes principles for the state mental health system. Changes term from “mentally ill person” to “person who is mentally ill.” Sets out nine principles for state or those contracting with the state for services. These include support for “self- determination,” “achieve their maximum potential,” “determine their own needs,” and consideration of “needs of the entire family.” Sent to Governor on 5/24.
HB 558 requires sex offenders from other states to provide court records if establishing residence in La. Signed by Governor, Act 129.
HB 650 creates an individual income tax return check-off for a portion of income tax refund due to the Odyssey Foundation for the Arts, LLC for the purpose of the Center of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Signed by Governor, Act 132.
SB 158 provides whistleblower protection to employees who report the sexual abuse of minors. Signed by Governor, Act 148.
HB 771 raises the age limit for mandated health insurance overage for autism spectrum disorders, from “less than 17” to “less than 21.” Also eliminates the lifetime maximum benefit of $144,000. Deletes the present exclusion for small (50 or less) employers. Signed by Governor, Act 208.
SB 12 provides for the discovery and admissibility of expert witnesses testimony or evidence with regard to the certification of class actions. Signed by Governor.
SB 498 Provides for access to data from worker’s compensation insurers for fraud detection. Signed by Governor, Act 88.
SB 367 Provides for medical examinations in worker’s compensation cases. Signed by Governor, Act 325.
HB 1113 exempts the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners from certain provisions of Public Records Law. Sent to Governor.
HB 1025 establishes an annual assessment, of $25 on each medical psychologist, physician assistant, and podiatrist to be used for identification, assistance, and procurement of treatment for these individuals when suffering from substance abuse, psychiatric conditions, or physical deficiencies which interfere with their professional skill or safety. Sent to the Governor.
HB 866 Provides relative to informed consent for medical treatment and creates the Louisiana Medical Disclosure Panel, and moves responsibility for determining which medical treatments go on the proper “disclosure list” from the DHH secretary to a newly created “La Medical Disclosure Panel.” Pending House concurrence.
HB 1127 provides relative to salary supplements for school psychologists. Involuntarily deferred.
HB 105 increases the medical malpractice cap to $750,000 from the present $500,000. Assigned to House Civil Law & Procedure on March 12.
SCR 79, a Resolution requests that all licensed hospitals and behavioral health treatment facilities in the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard report certain information regarding the treatment of mental health and substance abuse patient treatment, and a report complied so to study the effects of the reduction of state funds to inpatient behavioral health facilities. Assigned to House Health & Welfare on 5/22.
HB 1214 Provides relative to student codes of conduct which prohibit harassment, intimidation, and bullying in public schools. Assigned to Senate Education and considered on 5/23.
HR 133 Requests the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council to study reemployment and retraining programs. Passed the House.
SB195 Adds Phenazepam to the list of Schedule I controlled dangerous substances. Singed by Governor, to Act 325.
SB196 Adds Ezogabine as a Schedule V controlled dangerous substance. Signed into Act 315.
SB115 allows the Secretary of DHH to immediately suspend a licence of a freeststanding inpatient psychiatric hospital. Signed by Governor, Act 306.
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