This bill amends and reenacts R.S. 40:2852(C)(2) and enacts new subsections R.S. 40:2852(C)(3) through (5) to establish stricter requirements for facilities providing residential substance use disorder treatment to individuals referred by judicial agencies. The amended language specifies that no facility shall provide such treatment unless it is licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health as a behavioral health service provider with the appropriate treatment module. Additionally, judicial agencies are prohibited from referring individuals to these facilities until they have been surveyed and licensed accordingly.

The new subsections also introduce provisions for filing complaints against unlicensed facilities, allowing the Louisiana Department of Health to investigate such complaints. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that licensed physicians, mental health professionals, or behavioral health service providers are still permitted to offer treatment services, including counseling, to individuals in their own residences, ensuring that access to care is maintained even outside of licensed facilities.

Statutes affected:
SB437 Original: 40:2852(C)(2)
SB437 Engrossed: 40:2852(C)(2)
SB437 Enrolled: 40:2852(C)(2)
SB437 Act 514: 40:2852(C)(2)