House passes bill to authorize psychedelic-assisted therapy program in state health agency

The Louisiana House on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 43 to let the Department of Health establish a psychedelic-assisted therapy program focused on clinical studies, patient eligibility and development of treatment protocols.

Representative Reiser, who led floor debate for the measure, said the program is intended to help veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. "This legislation also known as Angel's Law helps ensure hospitals have access to bereavement training, to specialized resources," he said when explaining the scope of health supports tied to care; on the psychedelic bill he argued it would "allow the Department of Health to establish guidelines" for permitted clinical work.

Reiser noted federal movement on the subject and cited an executive order that sponsors said reduces barriers for clinical trials; he said a consortium of states and pharmaceutical partners could seek FDA approval and possible federal funding. The sponsor also said several other states have already pursued similar legislative paths.

Amendments the sponsor described as technical were adopted. The House recorded a final vote of 97–0 on the bill.

Why it matters: Supporters framed SB 43 as a narrowly tailored public-health and clinical-research measure aimed at expanding treatment options for specific patient groups, particularly veterans and first responders with treatment-resistant conditions.

What happens next: The bill passed the House and will continue through the legislative process for consideration by the other chamber and implementation details by the Department of Health.