The bill introduced by Senator Stine seeks to amend the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA) by expanding the board's membership from eight to eleven voting members and introducing new definitions for terms such as "behavioral health condition," "peer support specialist," and "peer support specialist supervisor." It establishes clear roles and responsibilities for these professionals, emphasizes the importance of credentialing, and outlines the qualifications required for board members, including the necessity for them to be currently credentialed and free of disciplinary history. The bill also modifies the scope of practice for certified and registered addiction counselors, requiring them to work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, and includes provisions for criminal background checks and licensing fees.

Additionally, the legislation introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for the certification and regulation of peer support specialists and related roles, mandating criteria for certification that includes residency, ethical standards, and successful completion of a written examination. It specifies that peer support specialists and associates must renew their certifications annually, providing documentation of continuing education. The bill also modifies existing regulations for certified compulsive gambling counselors, ensuring that necessary credentials are maintained, and emphasizes the importance of supervision in peer support practices. The oversight of these services will shift from the Louisiana Department of Health to ADRA, with compliance to federal standards for peer support services, and the changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

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)
SB426 Engrossed: 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)
SB426 Reengrossed: 40:3(E)