Bill > SB153

This bill modifies Louisiana's licensing requirements for mental health professionals providing Comprehensive Psychiatric Support and Treatment (CPST) services in the Medicaid program. Specifically, the bill creates a new "limited scope license" for certain provisionally licensed or certified mental health professionals who have been providing CPST services but have not passed all standard licensing examinations. These professionals, including provisional licensed professional counselors, provisional licensed marriage and family therapists, and certified social workers, can now receive a specialized license that only allows them to provide CPST services if they meet all other licensure qualifications except for the standard examination requirement. The bill expands the pool of professionals who can render CPST services by allowing these limited scope license holders to work alongside fully licensed mental health professionals, psychology interns, and other qualified practitioners. This change aims to address potential workforce shortages in behavioral health services by creating a pathway for experienced professionals to continue providing critical mental health support within the Medicaid system, while maintaining professional standards and ensuring patient care quality.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=SB153&sbi=y