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)]
HB 624 Original 2022 Regular Session Pressly
Abstract: Incorporates behavioral health services providers into the set of healthcare providers
recognized in the La. Telehealth Access Act.
Present law known as the La. Telehealth Access Act (R.S. 40:1223.1 et seq.) defines "healthcare
provider", for purposes of present law relative to telehealth services, as a person, partnership, limited
liability partnership, limited liability company, corporation, facility, or institution licensed or
certified by this state to provide healthcare or professional services as any of the following:
(1)Physician assistant.
(2)Hospital.
(3)Nursing home.
(4)Dentist.
(5)Registered nurse.
(6)Advanced practice registered nurse.
(7)Licensed dietitian or nutritionist.
(8)Licensed practical nurse.
(9)Certified nurse assistant.
(10)Offshore health service provider.
(11)Ambulance service.
(12)Licensed midwife.
(13)Pharmacist.
(14)Speech-language pathologist. (15)Audiologist.
(16)Optometrist.
(17)Podiatrist.
(18)Chiropractor.
(19)Physical therapist.
(20)Occupational therapist.
(21)Certified or licensed athletic trainer.
(22)Psychologist.
(23)Medical psychologist.
(24)Social worker.
(25)Licensed professional counselor.
(26)Licensed perfusionist.
(27)Licensed respiratory therapist.
(28)Licensed radiologic technologist.
(29)Licensed hearing aid dealer.
(30)Licensed clinical laboratory scientist.
Proposed law adds behavioral health services providers licensed pursuant to present law to the list
of personnel classified as healthcare providers for purposes of the La. Telehealth Access Act.
Present law, R.S. 37:1261 et seq., provides that telemedicine is a form of telehealth that may be
practiced exclusively by licensed physicians. Proposed law retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 40:1223.3(3))