BHSP Rulemaking

BHSP Licensing Standards

Act 401 of 2014 requires state government agencies to publish information and reports when the agency is in the process of adopting, amending, or repealing a rule or fee. For official copies of published documents, please refer to the Louisiana Register website. Questions regarding HSS administrative rulemaking activity may be directed to Dr. Cynthia York at Cynthia.York@la.gov

September 22, 2025

BHSPs Licensing Standards – LAC 48.I.Chapters 56 and 57

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – September 22, 2025 – The Department of Health, Health Standards Section (the department), proposes to amend LAC 48:I.Chapters 56 and 57, and adopt Section 5706 as authorized by R.S. 36:254. This proposed Rule is promulgated in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.

The proposed Rule amends the provisions governing the licensing of behavioral health service providers in order to update evidence-based practice standards and requirements to be in compliance with those nationally recognized. This includes updating definitions, revising licensure and staffing requirements, establishing timeframes for conducting client assessments and completion of discharge summaries, updating program titles, and re-establishing criteria for operating a Pregnant and Parenting Women Program at multiple levels of care. The proposed Rule also clarifies opioid treatment programs’ operational hours to comply with federal regulations.

Notice of Intent (proposed changes): BHSPs_NOI_25.09. It is anticipated that the Notice of Intent will be published in the September 20, 2025 edition of the Louisiana Register.

 Summary Report: 

 Final Rule: 

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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