Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 8. Source pages: 3.
Act 515 – Governor Encourages Citizens to Volunteer to Serve on Healthcare Licensing Boards
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced July 13 that he had signed Act 515 into law and he is calling for volunteers to serve on the boards. The new law, passed in the 2018 session, was sponsored by Sen. Fred Mills. The measure allows members of the public to now serve on Louisiana’s 24 healthcare-related licensing boards.
“It’s important to give consumers the opportunity to have a seat at the decision making table when it comes to issues that directly impact their lives,” said Gov. Edwards. “I want to thank Sen. Mills, a practicing pharmacist, who recognizes the need for citizens to work with health professionals in ensuring they receive the high quality healthcare they deserve.”
Appointees who meet the eligibility requirements will be called on to provide insight on the issuance of licenses, permits, or certificates and will be full voting members. Board appointments will begin on or after August 1, 2018, with the total length of term varying by board.
Professional Affairs Chair for the Louisiana Psychological Association, Dr. Kim VanGeffen, attended the psychology board’s July 20 meeting where the board’s attorney, Courtney Newton, reviewed the new legislation.
“The consumer member is appointed by the governor,” said Dr. VanGeffen. “Consumer members can apply directly to the governor's office. This bill includes regulations on who can be a consumer member. For example, someone already in mental health could not be a consumer member.”
“This is the bill which added a consumer member to our licensing board,” said Dr. VanGeffen. “There will be a five-member hearing panel for complaints. Four votes are required for the board to take an action.”
According to the Governor’s Office, some of the other available boards for public volunteers include:
Louisiana State Board of Dentistry Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors Louisiana State Board of Nursing Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners Louisiana Board of Pharmacy Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
More boards needing appointees and the application form can be found at: http://gov.louisiana.gov/page/boards-commissions
A consumer member will soon be joining the members on the state psychology board. Here, Dr. Koren Boggs (L), the current Vice Chair, at a previous meeting, with board member Dr. Amy Henke.
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