The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Christine Arbo Peck.
DIGEST
SB 519 Original 2018 Regular Session Luneau
Present law provides for licensing of behavioral health services providers by the Louisiana
Department of Health. Present law provides for definitions. Proposed law adds definitions for
certified mental health professionals, community psychiatric supportive treatment (CPST), mental
health rehabilitation, and psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) to the definition provisions of present
law.
Present law provides licensure requirements. Proposed law provides for additional requirements for
providers of CPST and PSR services that must be met in order to be reimbursed by the department
for providing the services.
Proposed law provides that only a certified mental health professional or an individual who is not
certified, but who met present law criteria for providing PSR services and did so on a full time basis
for a year prior to August 1, 2017, may provide PSR services and be reimbursed by the department
for providing the services.
Proposed law provides that CPST shall be provided by a certified mental health professional with
a master's or doctorate in counseling, social work, or psychology from an accredited university or
college.
Proposed law provides that in order to receive Medicaid reimbursement for CPST or PSR services,
the provider agency, certified mental health professional, or other individuals allowed by law, shall
have a national provider identification number, be fully accredited by a nationally recognized
accrediting organization, be licensed by the department, and be credentialed by the Medicaid
managed care organization in which the provider intends to submit claims for services.
Proposed law establishes a facility need review process to assess the need in a geographical area for
new providers of CPST or PSR before a license is granted.
Proposed law requires mental health rehabilitation providers to employ a full-time mental health
supervisor on or before January 1, 2019. Proposed law requires the mental health supervisor to assist
in the design and evaluation of CPST and PSR services. Proposed law requires certified mental
health professionals to receive at least one hour per month or personal supervision and training by
the mental health supervisor.
Proposed law requires the department to develop an annual review of certified mental health
professionals, including ensuring certification has been attained and a process for investigations and
hearings. Proposed law provides for recoupment of Medicaid funds paid to a provider who is not in
compliance with proposed law. Proposed law provides for referral to the Medicaid Fraud Control
Unit of the attorney general's office for further action.
Proposed law provides for rulemaking.
Proposed law provides for an audit of the department by the Louisiana legislative auditor.
Proposed law shall be referred to as the "Behavioral Health Services Provider Licensing Reform
Law".
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 40:2153 (15), (16), (17), and (18) and R.S. 40:2155.1)