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
Tammy Crain-Waldrop.
DIGEST
SB 38 Reengrossed 2017 Regular Session Morrell
Present law provides that any person licensed under the mental health counselor law may not assess,
diagnose, or provide treatment to any individual suffering from a serious mental illness when
medication may be indicated, except when a licensed professional counselor, or a licensed marriage
and family therapist in accordance with industry best practices, consults and collaborates with a
practitioner who holds a license or permit with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners or
an advanced practice registered nurse licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing who is
certified as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Proposed law provides that if intellectual, personality, developmental, or neuropsychological tests
are deemed necessary, the licensed professional counselor, provisional licensed professional
counselor, the licensed marriage and family therapist, or provisional licensed marriage and family
therapist will make an appropriate referral.
Present law provides a definition for serious mental illness to include schizophrenia or
schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major
depressive disorder - moderate to severe, anorexia, bulimia, intermittent explosive disorder, autism,
psychosis NOS (not otherwise specified) when diagnosed in a child under seventeen years of age,
Rett's disorder, Tourette's disorder, and dementia.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or upon lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 37:1103(7) and 1116(F); repeals R.S. 37:1103(14))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Requires certain counselors and therapists to make a referral if certain testing is
deemed necessary.
2. Makes technical corrections.