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HB 137

HEALTH/EMERG MED SERVICE: Authorizes psychologists and medical psychologists to evaluate a patient via telehealth for emergency certificates

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Carlson

Louisiana allows psychologists and medical psychologists to evaluate patients via telehealth for emergency psychiatric certificates instead of requiring in-person assessments.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 148.
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Bill Summary · HB 137

Legislative bill overview

HB 137 permits licensed psychologists and medical psychologists in Louisiana to conduct remote telehealth evaluations of patients for emergency psychiatric certificates (involuntary commitment). Previously, these evaluations required in-person assessments. The bill becomes effective August 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Emergency psychiatric evaluations determine whether individuals pose imminent danger to themselves or others and warrant involuntary hospitalization. Allowing telehealth evaluations can expand access to timely psychiatric assessments in rural areas and reduce delays in emergency situations, though it also changes how mental health crises are clinically evaluated.

Potential points of contention

  • Clinical assessment quality: Telehealth evaluations may limit a clinician's ability to observe physical symptoms, conduct hands-on neurological exams, or fully assess a patient's environment and safety risks compared to in-person evaluation.
  • Patient rights and due process: Remote evaluations during involuntary commitment proceedings—which restrict liberty—raise questions about whether patients receive equivalent due process protections as in-person assessments.
  • Scope of provider authority: Expands psychologists' (non-physician) authority in emergency psychiatric commitment decisions, which some medical professionals may argue should remain physician-exclusive given the severity of consequences.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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