The original instrument was prepared by Christine Arbo Peck. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by
Michelle D. Ridge.
DIGEST
SB 37 Engrossed 2017 Regular Session Martiny
Present law (R.S. 37:2353) provides for the prescriptive period for the La. State Board of Examiners
of Psychologists (board) to conduct hearings upon complaints concerning the disciplining of a
psychologist. No disciplinary proceeding shall be commenced more than one year after the date
upon which the board knows or should know of the act or omission upon which the disciplinary
action is based.
Proposed law removes from present law the one year prescriptive period.
Present law (R.S. 37:21) provides for a prescriptive periods for boards and commission to commence
disciplinary actions.
Proposed law provides that the board will comply with the prescriptive periods of R.S. 37:21.
Present law provides authority for a hearing fee to be assessed by the Louisiana State Board of
Examiners of Psychologists in disciplinary matters.
Proposed law provides that the hearing fee may include reasonable costs and fees for the hearing,
including legal fees, stenographer, investigator, staff, witness fees, and any costs incurred on judicial
review and appeal. Proposed law further provides that the board may assess reasonable costs and
fees, not to exceed $10,000.00, when a disciplinary action is resolved by settlement, consent decree
or other informal resolution.
Present law requires a license applicant to have one year of post-doctoral experience.
Proposed law provides that the board may consider a substitution of experience, in accordance with
board rules, for a psychologist who has practiced for five years in another state with no disciplinary
actions. This experience may serve as a substitute for one year of post-doctoral experience.
Present law provides that a person has 30 days to pay reasonable costs to the board for the
disciplinary hearings.
Proposed law increases the number of days a person has to pay reasonable costs for the disciplinary
hearing and informal resolutions from 30 to 90 days.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 37:2353(C)(5), 2354(B)(1), 2356(A)(6), and 2359(C); adds R.S. 37:21(B)(12) and 2354(B)(4) and (5))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer
Protection, and International Affairs to the original bill
1. Requires the board to adhere to the prescriptive periods of R.S. 37:21.
2. Caps the informal resolution fee to $10,000.00.
3. Increases the number of days a person has to pay reasonable costs to the board for
disciplinary hearings or informal resolutions from 30 to 90 days.