The bill introduced by Senator Stine seeks to amend the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA) by expanding its authority and membership. Key provisions include increasing the board's membership from eight to eleven voting members, with specific qualifications for appointees, such as holding a master's degree in relevant fields from Louisiana universities. The bill introduces new definitions, including "behavioral health condition," and outlines the roles and scope of practice for peer support specialists, peer support specialist associates, and peer support specialist supervisors, emphasizing their mentorship role under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Additionally, the legislation establishes a regulatory framework for these peer support roles, detailing qualifications, application processes, and certification renewal requirements. It mandates annual renewals for peer support specialists and associates, and biennial renewals for supervisors, all requiring documentation of continuing education, including ethics training. The bill also modifies employment disqualification criteria for individuals with certain criminal convictions, allowing them to be considered for certification if they meet specific training requirements. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of addiction treatment services in Louisiana while ensuring public safety and professional standards.

Statutes affected:
SB426 Original: 37:2(A), 37:2(B), 37:2(B)(5), 37:1(A)(2), 37:2(A)(2), 37:3(B)(4), 37:6(E)(1), 37:3(A)(11), 37:6(A), 40:3(E)