This bill amends R.S. 28:53.1 to establish new requirements for healthcare facilities regarding the admission and discharge of patients receiving behavioral healthcare services under an emergency certificate. Key provisions include the requirement for a licensed healthcare professional to conduct a behavioral health evaluation within seventy-two hours of admission and to contact the patient's primary healthcare provider to gather treatment history. Additionally, upon discharge, the facility must notify any current healthcare professionals about the patient's discharge date and time, unless the patient objects, and provide referrals to appropriate healthcare services if the patient does not have an existing provider.

The bill also mandates that healthcare facilities provide educational materials from the Louisiana Department of Health to patients and their families about self-harm warning signs and the importance of ongoing behavioral health services. Furthermore, it requires that patients receive appropriate prescriptions at the time of discharge. These changes aim to enhance the continuity of care and ensure that patients have the necessary support and information following their treatment.

Statutes affected:
HB1139 Enrolled:
HB1139 Act 878: