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 849 Original 2024 Regular Session Illg
Abstract: Establishes procedures for healthcare professionals providing care for patients suffering
from behavioral health issues.
Proposed law states that if patient confined to inpatient behavioral healthcare services as a result of
an emergency certificate issued by a physician, the inpatient healthcare facility shall make a
reasonable effort to do all of the following:
(1)Notify any healthcare professional treating the patient by providing behavioral healthcare
services that the patient is to be discharged. The notice shall be transmitted to the appropriate
individuals at least 24 hours prior to discharge.
(2)Notify any healthcare professional scheduled to provide follow-up behavioral healthcare
services of the patients discharge 24 hours prior to discharge. The notice shall include of a
summary of the patient's condition and any medically relevant information.
(3)Provide the patient educational documents prior to discharge explaining the signs of self-
harm and the importance of seeking follow-up care.
Proposed law requires a healthcare professional that offers behavioral health services to accept
documents from the family, friends, loved ones, and caregivers of the patient about the patient
related to the patient's behavioral health issues.
(Adds R.S. 28:53.1 and R.S. 40:1165.1(A)(5))