The bill amends and reenacts R.S. 15:830, establishing the "Mental Healing Justice for Incarcerated People Act" to enhance mental health treatment for incarcerated individuals in Louisiana. It mandates the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to allocate state funding to ensure access to quality mental health care for inmates. The legislation emphasizes the importance of high-quality mental health services and outlines the department's responsibilities, including the establishment of resources and programs for treating inmates with mental illnesses or intellectual disabilities. It also requires screening for mental health disorders upon intake and allows staff to refer inmates for mental health evaluations during their incarceration.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for annual Mental Health First Aid training for department employees and encourages the use of trained peer support to improve mental health services. It outlines procedures for transferring inmates for observation and diagnosis to appropriate health departments if necessary, and ensures that legal representation is provided for inmates during civil commitment proceedings. The bill also stipulates that inmates diagnosed with serious mental illnesses should receive continuity of care through community mental health providers before their release.

Statutes affected:
HB55 Original: 15:830(A)
HB55 Engrossed: 15:830(A)
HB55 Reengrossed: 15:830(A)
HB55 Enrolled: 15:830(A)
HB55 Act 214: 15:830(A)