Louisiana House Bill HB1113

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/12
• Refer: 4/4/12
• Report Pass: 4/25/12
• Engrossed: 5/7/12
• Refer: 5/8/12
• Report Pass: 5/16/12
• Enrolled: 5/23/12
• Chaptered: 6/1/12
• Passed: 6/1/12

Caption

Exempts the La. Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners from certain provisions of Public Records Law

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the legal framework surrounding public access to counseling records in Louisiana. By granting this exemption, the bill seeks to align with similar protections afforded to other professional boards, ensuring that evaluations and therapeutic records do not compromise the privacy and confidentiality that are critical in counseling. The bill also clarifies that while the records remain confidential, the board can disclose final actions regarding licensure, thus maintaining a level of transparency about licensure outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 1113, introduced by Representative Johnson, aims to amend Louisiana's public records law regarding the confidentiality of records held by the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. The bill specifically exempts any records related to the fitness of individuals to hold a counseling license from public access, thus ensuring that sensitive information regarding practitioners remains confidential. The primary objective of this legislation is to foster a protective environment for licensed counselors, which in turn may promote better mental health services within the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1113 appears to be supportive, with recognition of the need for confidentiality in counseling to enhance the quality of mental health services. The legislative discussion suggests that many stakeholders appreciate the importance of protecting sensitive information, especially considering the stigma often associated with seeking mental health services. While there may be minor concerns regarding transparency, the overwhelming sentiment leans towards the necessity of ensuring confidentiality for practitioners.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between confidentiality and public access to information regarding licensed professionals. Some stakeholders may argue that while confidentiality for counseling records is vital, there should also be robust mechanisms to ensure accountability and public trust in mental health services. The potential for misuse of confidentiality has been a concern in discussions, but proponents of the bill argue that the legislation includes provisions for transparency regarding actions taken by the board against practitioners.