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 supervision for licensed professional counselors and social workers.

The bill also updates the definitions of "qualified supervision" and "clinical supervision" to include telesupervision, thereby expanding the options for licensed professionals to receive supervision. It specifies that supervision can be conducted either in-person or through telesupervision, ensuring that the same standards of regular contact, case review, and professional development are maintained. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that licensed master's social workers may provide services under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, either in-person or virtually, thereby enhancing the flexibility and accessibility of supervision in the field.

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)