LA HB404

Establishes a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for inmates in state and local correctional facilities, administered by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana Sheriffs' Association

Requires all FDA-approved MAT medications for substance abuse disorders and individual treatment plans for participating inmates, with program participation being voluntary and not subject to denial based on positive drug tests or disciplinary infractions

Mandates reentry support including information on treatment facilities, housing, and employment resources, Medicaid enrollment assistance prior to release, and a one-week supply of medication upon release

Requires procedures to provide substance abuse support in lieu of arrest for supervised individuals who relapse or fail drug tests, with coordination between clinical staff and probation/parole to ensure prescribed medications are not treated as illegal

Funds the program through state opioid settlement funds and federal funding, with the first annual report on program effectiveness due to the governor and legislature by August 1, 2027