Provides relative to the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority. (2/3CA7s2.1(A)) (8/1/26)

SB 168 Original 2026 Regular Session Stine

Present law establishes the Addictive Disorders Regulatory Authority (ADRA) as the licensing board with the responsibility and authority to regulate the practice of addictive disorder treatment and prevention.

Proposed law adds that ADRA shall issue and recognize credentials for professionals engaged in providing substance use disorder counseling, prevention, and peer support services for those who suffer from behavioral health conditions.

Present law provides for the membership of ADRA.

Proposed law changes the number of members from 8 to 9 and adds a member who represents the La. Dept. of Health, office of behavioral health.

Present law provides for definitions.

Proposed law adds definitions for "behavioral health condition", "licensed mental health professional", "peer support", "peer support specialist", "peer support specialist associate", and "peer support specialist supervisor".

Proposed law establishes the qualifications, scope of practice, and status renewal process for a person to be recognized by ADRA as a peer support specialist, peer support specialist associate, and peer support specialist supervisor.

Proposed law provides for an application fee of not less than $50 and not more than $300, an examination fee of not less than $100 and not more than $300, and a renewal fee of not less than $100 and not more than $300 for a peer support specialist, associate, or supervisor.

Present law requires the La. Dept. of Health to promulgate rules relative to training and requirements for peer support specialists.

Proposed law repeals present law.

Present law prohibits a person from being disqualified from employment as a peer support specialist with a licensed behavioral health services provider if the person's criminal background check reveals certain convictions if the person meets requirements established in present law, including successfully completing the La. Dept. of Health's training and requirements.

Proposed law changes the reference from the La. Dept. of Health to ADRA.

Effective August 1, 2026.

(Amends R.S. 37:3386.1, 3386.2(A), 3386.2(B)(intro para), 3388.3, and 3390.6(B)(6)-(8) and R.S. 40:1203.3(E)(3)(b); adds R.S. 37:3386.2(B)(7), 3387.15, 3387.16, 3387.17, 3388.4, 3388.5, and 3390.6(B)(9); repeals R.S. 40:1203.3(E)(5))