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 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Illg
Abstract: Establishes procedures for healthcare professionals providing care for patients suffering
from behavioral health issues.
Proposed law states that if a patient is admitted for 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 for a behavioral healthcare condition
that the patient is to be discharged if such notification is requested by the patient.
(2)Notify any healthcare professional scheduled to provide follow-up behavioral healthcare
services of the patient's discharge no later than date that the patient is scheduled for follow-
up services. The notice shall include of a summary of the patient's condition and any
medically relevant information.
(3)Provide the patient educational documents created and published by the La. Department of
Health prior to discharge explaining the signs of self-harm and the importance of seeking
follow-up care.
Proposed law provides that a healthcare professional that offers behavioral health services may
accept documents from the family, friends, loved ones, and caregivers of the patient about the
patient's condition. Proposed law further provides that healthcare professional may add relevant
documentation to the patient's medical record.
(Adds R.S. 28:53.1 and R.S. 40:1165.1(A)(5))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Add that healthcare professionals may communicate via telephone conversation to satisfy
the requirements of this proposed law.
2. Add that the La. Department of Health shall create and publish educational documents
about the risks to a patient after discharge from an admission pursuant to an emergency certification.
3. Provide that a healthcare provider has the discretion to include collected documentation
from family, friends, loved ones, and caregivers about the patient's condition in the
patient's medical record.