LA HB1216

Renames clinical laboratory personnel categories: "Clinical laboratory scientist-generalist" becomes "Medical laboratory scientist" (MLS), "Clinical laboratory scientist-specialist" becomes "Medical laboratory scientist categorical" (MLS-C), "Clinical laboratory scientist-technician" becomes "Medical laboratory technician" (MLT), and "Cytotechnologist" becomes "Cytologist"

Increases licensing and renewal fees: Medical laboratory scientists from $50 to $60, Cytologists from $50 to $60, Laboratory assistants from $25 to $30, and adds Phlebotomist fee at $40

Expands exemptions from licensure to include respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, individuals performing waived tests under CLIA, and those performing forensic testing for law enforcement purposes

Limits temporary permits to 6 months with no renewals (previously could be renewed once), and reduces the inactive practice threshold for license reinstatement from 7 years to 5 years

Increases penalties for unlicensed practice: first offense fines rise from $500 to $600, second offense from $1,000 to $1,200, and third/subsequent offenses from $2,000 to $2,400