RULEMAKING: HSS - Emergency Rules

The Department of Health, Health Standards Section amends the provisions governing the licensing of behavioral health service providers of opioid treatment programs in order to remove outdated eligibility criteria, expand the types of eligible practitioners, adjust the provisions related to take-home doses of medication, and include provisions for mobile dosing units. These updates align with recently updated federal standards. This action is being taken due to the drastic increase in the number of fatal opioid overdoses in Louisiana. To prevent the imminent peril to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, access to critical medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder will be expanded. It is anticipated that implementation of this Emergency Rule will have no fiscal impact for state fiscal year 2024-2025. This action is effective November 13, 2024.

The Department of Health, Health Standards Section amends the provisions governing the licensing of hospitals in order to add a new definition, and to include provisions for the distribution of naloxone nasal spray to patients and/or non-patients who present in the hospital. This action is being taken due to the drastic increase in the number of fatal opioid overdoses in Louisiana. To prevent the imminent peril to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, access to a life-saving medication to reverse opioid overdose will be expanded. It is anticipated that implementation of this Emergency Rule will have no fiscal impact for state fiscal year 2023-2024. This action is effective April 29, 2024.