House Bill No. 118, introduced by Representative Egan, amends the existing law regarding the issuance of emergency certificates in St. Tammany Parish. The bill specifically modifies R.S. 28:53(G)(7)(b)(i) by removing the requirement that the initial examination, which must occur before an emergency certificate can be issued, be conducted in person by a psychiatrist, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or psychologist. Instead, the bill allows for the examination to be conducted via telehealth by a coroner or deputy coroner who is a physician, preferably a psychiatrist.

This change aims to streamline the process of issuing emergency certificates in St. Tammany Parish by providing more flexibility in how initial examinations are conducted. By permitting telehealth examinations, the bill seeks to improve access to mental health services and ensure timely responses in emergency situations.

Statutes affected:
HB118 Original: 28:53(G)(7)
HB118 Engrossed: 28:53(G)(7)