This bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana's Revised Statutes related to the practice of social work and licensed professional counseling. Key changes include the introduction of the term "telesupervision," which is defined as clinical supervision conducted through real-time, face-to-face synchronous interactive conferencing using electronic means. The bill mandates that both the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners and the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners establish rules and regulations for telesupervision, ensuring that it adheres to the same standards as in-person supervision. Additionally, the bill allows for remote supervision and virtual licensed professional counselor telesupervision, expanding the options for supervision in these fields.

The bill also updates the definitions of "qualified supervision" and "clinical supervision" to include telesupervision, allowing for flexibility in how supervision is conducted. It specifies that licensed master's social workers may engage in advanced social work practice under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, either in-person or virtually. The legislation aims to modernize the supervision process in social work and counseling, reflecting the growing use of technology in professional practices.

Statutes affected:
HB865 Original: 37:2703(7), 37:2707(B)
HB865 Engrossed: 37:1103(13), 37:1107(A)(4), 37:1116(B)(1), 37:2703(7), 37:2707(B)
HB865 Enrolled: 37:1103(13), 37:1107(A)(4), 37:1116(B)(1), 37:2703(7), 37:2707(B)
HB865 Act : 37:1103(13), 37:1107(A)(4), 37:1116(B)(1), 37:2703(7), 37:2707(B)