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 in the context of licensed professional counseling and social work, thereby expanding the options for supervision methods.

The bill also updates definitions and requirements for licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists, allowing for telesupervision to count towards the required supervised experience. Specifically, it modifies the language to include "telesupervision" in the context of qualified supervision and client contact hours. Furthermore, it clarifies that supervision can be conducted either in-person or through telesupervision, ensuring that the standards for both methods are consistent. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the supervision process in the fields of social work and counseling, accommodating 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)