DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
James HB No. 15
Abstract: Adds licensed professional counselors to the list of persons who may serve on a
clinical team that is appointed in lieu of a sanity commission.
Present law provides for a sanity commission to be appointed by the court after a mental
examination of a defendant is ordered. The sanity commission shall examine and report upon the
mental condition of the defendant.
Present law authorizes the court, in lieu of appointing a sanity commission, to enter into a
cooperative endeavor agreement with the local mental health unit to examine and report on the
mental condition of the defendant.
Present law provides that if the local mental health unit is ordered to conduct the examination, it
shall form a two- or three-member clinical team to be composed of one or more licensed
physicians. Further provides that if only one licensed physician is a member of the clinical team,
the remaining members of the clinical team may be composed of any of the following persons
who are qualified by training or experience in forensic evaluations: clinical psychologists,
medical psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers.
Proposed law retains present law and adds licensed professional counselors to the list of persons
who may serve on a clinical team.
(Amends C.Cr.P. Art. 644(D)(1))