§98.5.1. Assessment for alcohol or drug dependence; rehabilitative programs; second and subsequent convictions

            A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary provided by R.S. 14:98, 98.1, 98.2, 98.3, and 98.4, on a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of R.S. 14:98, the court may order the offender, at the sole expense of the offender, to undergo an assessment that uses a standardized evidence-based instrument performed by a physician to determine whether the offender has a diagnosis for alcohol or drug dependence and would likely benefit from a court-approved medication-assisted treatment indicated and approved for the treatment of alcohol or drug dependence by the United States Food and Drug Administration, as specified in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.

            B. Upon considering the results of the assessment, the court may refer the offender to a rehabilitative program that offers one or more forms of court-approved medications that are approved for the treatment of alcohol or drug dependence by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

            C. This Section shall not apply when an offender shows that he is unable to pay the costs of the assessment and rehabilitative program, either personally or through a third party insurer.

            Acts 2020, No. 41, §1.