This bill amends R.S. 28:53(B)(1) to expand the scope of professionals authorized to conduct telehealth examinations for emergency certificates related to mental health and substance-related disorders. Specifically, it allows psychologists and medical psychologists to perform these examinations via telehealth, provided that a licensed healthcare professional is present with the patient during the video conference. The bill emphasizes that an actual examination must occur before executing an emergency certificate, and failure to do so will be considered gross negligence.

Additionally, the bill makes specific language changes, replacing the pronoun "their" with "his" in reference to physician assistants and other practitioners, thereby standardizing the language used in the law. The inclusion of psychologists and medical psychologists in the list of professionals who can conduct these examinations reflects a recognition of their role in mental health care and aims to facilitate timely access to necessary treatment for individuals in crisis.

Statutes affected:
HB137 Original: 28:53(B)(1)
HB137 Engrossed: 28:53(B)(1)
HB137 Enrolled: 28:53(B)(1)
HB137 Act : 28:53(B)(1)