New Laws Take Effect Next Month on PTSD, Appeals Deadline, Large Deductibles

On Aug. 1, four new laws will take effect in Louisiana, impacting first responders, large-deductible policyholders and parties who want to appeal a medical necessity decision. The Republican-held Legislature this year overwhelmingly approved all four bills, which were signed by the state's Democratic governor last month. Senate Bill 107 gained the most attention and media coverage, and made post-traumatic stress disorder a compensable condition for first responders. The law goes further than some states that have enacted PTSD bills for public safety workers, who have high rates...