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 Nancy
Vicknair.
DIGEST
SB 66 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Claitor
Present law provides for certain emergency certificate admission procedures for the parishes of East
Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Orleans, and Ouachita.
Proposed law retains present law and makes it applicable to all parishes except St. Tammany.
Present law authorizes any physician, certain physical assistant and nurse practitioner, or
psychologist to execute an emergency certificate only after an actual examination of a person alleged
to have a mental illness or be suffering from a substance-related or addictive disorder and who is
determined to be in immediate need care and treatment in a treatment facility. Authorizes conducting
such examination by telemedicine utilizing video conferencing technology and provides the
parameters for performing such examination.
Proposed law retains present law but requires physicians executing an emergency certificate to be
licensed or permitted by the La. State Board of Medical Examiners.
Present law provides a standard of care relating to the examination, admission, commitment and
treatment of individuals suffering from mental illness and substance-related or addictive disorders
and limitations of liability.
Proposed law retains present law but requires physicians providing such care to be licensed or
permitted by the La. State Board of Medical Examiners.
Effective August 1, 2018.
(Amends R.S. 28:53(B)(1), (G)(8)(intro para), 63(A)(1) and (B))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Requires physicians executing an emergency certificate to be licensed or permitted
by the La. State Board of Medical Examiners.
2. Requires physicians providing care to individuals suffering from mental illness and
substance-related or addictive disorders be licensed or permitted by the La. State
Board of Medical Examiners. 3. Specifies that limitation of liability applies to physicians licensed or permitted by the
La. State Board of Medical Examiners.