Modifies licensing requirements for clinical laboratory personnel in Louisiana. It introduces an exemption for staff working at source plasma donation centers that conduct only nondiagnostic tests for donor screening. The bill defines "source plasma" as the fluid portion of human blood collected via plasmapheresis for manufacturing use, excluding single-donor plasma for intravenous administration. Currently, licensing exemptions exist for laboratories operated by the U.S. government or nonprofit institutions focused solely on instruction and research. The bill aims to streamline regulations for plasma donation centers while maintaining oversight in diagnostic laboratory settings.

Proposes a change to the emergency certificate process in St. Tammany Parish. The current law mandates that a psychiatrist, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or psychologist must conduct an in-person examination before issuing an emergency certificate. The bill removes this requirement, allowing for greater flexibility in the examination process. The coroner or deputy coroner, preferably a psychiatrist, would still be able to conduct an evaluation via telehealth, provided an initial in-person examination has been conducted.

A psychiatric emergency certificate is a legal document that allows for the temporary involuntary commitment of an individual who is experiencing a mental health crisis and poses a danger to themselves or others.

This amendment could streamline emergency mental health evaluations but may raise concerns about assessment quality and oversight.

Proposes an amendment to R.S. 28:53(B)(1) of Louisiana law. This statute governs the process for issuing emergency certificates for individuals in need of immediate mental health care. The amendment would expand the list of professionals authorized to conduct emergency evaluations via telehealth to include psychologists and medical psychologists, in addition to psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.

An emergency health evaluation is a medical or psychological assessment conducted to determine if a person is in immediate need of care due to a mental health crisis, substance-related disorder, or other urgent health concern. This evaluation is typically performed by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, to assess whether the individual poses a danger to themselves or others or is unable to function due to their condition. Based on the findings, the evaluator may issue an emergency certificate, allowing for temporary admission to a treatment facility for further care.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] create an exemption from state licensing for certain homemade or farm-produced foods sold directly to consumers. It defines "farm food products," distinguishes between hazardous and non-hazardous items, and sets requirements for labeling, sanitation, transportation, and tax registration. Only producers on USDA-registered residential farms are eligible, and sales are capped at $50,000 annually. Hazardous foods must be sold directly or at farmers markets and transported under strict conditions. Cannabidiol or THC products are prohibited. LDH retains authority to investigate foodborne illness.

Proposes regulations for the production and sale of homemade food in Louisiana.

Key Provisions:

• Definitions:
• Homemade food: Food produced and, if packaged, packaged at the private residence of the producer.
• Non-potentially hazardous food: Homemade food that doesn't require time or temperature control for safety.
• Potentially hazardous food: Homemade food that requires time or temperature control to ensure safety.
• Exemptions from State Sanitary Code:
• Homemade food producers would be exempt from certain state Sanitary Code provisions, specifically those related to equipment, design, construction, utensils, supplies, preparation, or services, except as outlined in the bill.
• Requirements for Homemade Food Producers:
• Sales can be conducted in person or remotely (e.g., online or via telephone).
• All homemade food must be labeled with:
• A statement indicating production in a private residence exempt from state licensing and inspection.
• The producer's name, address, and telephone number.
• A list of ingredients in descending order of predominance.
• Use of pasteurized milk or milk products is mandatory in potentially hazardous foods.
• Production areas must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, free from domestic pets during food preparation.
• Equipment used must be clean, sanitary, and made of non-corroding, smooth, impervious materials.
• Sales of homemade food containing cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol are prohibited.
• Producers are responsible for collecting any applicable sales and use taxes.
• Additional Requirements for Potentially Hazardous Foods:
• Delivery must be made directly to the consumer by the producer or an employee.
• During transportation, appropriate temperatures must be maintained to ensure food safety.
• Transportation should not exceed two hours or occur more than once.
• Sales and Shipping of Non-Potentially Hazardous Foods:
• Producers may sell and ship these foods to individuals or retailers for resale.
• Examples include baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, pies), candies, and cane syrup.

Proposes amendments to the supervision requirements for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Louisiana. The key changes include:

1. Supervision Limits: The bill allows a physical therapist to supervise up to eight PTAs and five unlicensed supportive personnel, increasing the previous supervision limits.
2. Accessibility of Supervising Physical Therapists: The bill updates the accessibility requirements for supervising physical therapists, mandating that they be readily accessible via telecommunication methods, such as telephone or other electronic means, rather than specifying beepers or telephones.

These proposed changes aim to provide greater flexibility in the supervision of PTAs and modernize communication requirements between physical therapists and their assistants.

Amends R.S. 40:1006(G) concerning the Louisiana Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). The bill proposes that the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy establish rules governing the retention, archiving, and destruction of both prescription monitoring information and audit trail data. Claims to address a gap in the current management of PMP data. While existing law already requires standards for retaining, archiving, and destroying prescription data, it does not explicitly include audit trail data—the records that show who accessed or modified the prescription data and when.

Without explicit legal requirements, audit trail data may be inconsistently handled or potentially overlooked in retention policies.

Proposes the "Kratom Consumer Protection Act" to regulate kratom sales in Louisiana. Key points:

·       Defines kratom-related terms.

·       Bans sale of ALL kratom products with unsafe additives, high alkaloid levels, synthetic compounds, or improper labeling.

·       Restricts items not banned to individuals 21 and older.

·       Requires product registration and approval by the Louisiana Department of Health.

·       Mandates clear labeling and serving sizes.

The bill focuses on consumer safety and product regulation.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] refine these provisions.The newly added Subsection F to R.S. 40:1203.3 stipulates that individuals shall not be disqualified from employment solely based on a prior criminal record unless the conviction directly relates to the position sought. Employers are now required to consider factors such as the nature and seriousness of the offense, the specific duties of the job, the time elapsed since the conviction, circumstances surrounding the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation.

WUT? Mena wants rapists and murderers to be considered for driving ambulances?

Proposes changes to the employment eligibility criteria for ambulance personnel in Louisiana. The bill aims to amend R.S. 40:1203.3(F) and repeal R.S. 40:1203.3(A) through (C) to revise the current prohibitions regarding the hiring of individuals with certain criminal convictions.

Key provisions of the proposed legislation:

1.    Removal of absolute hiring prohibitions:

The bill seeks to eliminate existing laws that categorically prohibit the hiring of licensed ambulance personnel or nonlicensed individuals convicted of specific offenses, such as first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree feticide, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and first-degree rape.

2.    Introduction of conditional hiring criteria:

Under the proposed law, a criminal conviction would not automatically disqualify an individual from employment as ambulance personnel. Disqualification would occur only if the conviction directly relates to the position or occupation sought.

3.    Factors for consideration in hiring decisions:

Employers and licensing entities would be required to assess the following factors when determining the relevance of a conviction to the job role:

o  The nature and seriousness of the offense

o  The specific duties and responsibilities of the position

o  The time elapsed since the conviction

o  Circumstances surrounding the offense, including any mitigating or aggravating factors

o  Evidence of the individual's rehabilitation or treatment post-conviction

Proposes comprehensive updates to Louisiana laws regulating athletic trainers to better align with current national standards and practices. The bill focuses on the following areas:

1.    Updated definitions:

o  Revises key terms used in the law.

o  "Athletic trainer" now refers specifically to individuals licensed by the board and certified by the Board of Certification, Inc.

o  "Emergency management" is defined as immediate onsite care under physician supervision using accepted first aid methods.

o  "General supervision" clarifies that a physician need not be physically present during services but must oversee care.

o  "Physical rehabilitation" is redefined as post-injury care that includes prescribed modalities and exercises.

o  "Practice of prevention" includes using clinical guidelines to reduce risks such as injury, illness, or overtraining.

2.    Repeal of outdated definitions:

o  Eliminates terms no longer deemed necessary or appropriate under the updated framework, including "athlete," "athletic injury," "board," and "consulting physician."

3.    Licensure requirements:

o  Updates qualifications for licensure, requiring certification from the Board of Certification, Inc. and compliance with all state board standards.

o  Aims to ensure athletic trainers meet consistent, modern competency benchmarks.

4.    Disciplinary standards:

o  Specifies grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation.

o  Ensures disciplinary actions are based on professional conduct, ethical violations, or failure to meet standards of care.

5.    Purpose and impact:

o  Seeks to streamline and modernize Louisiana's regulatory approach to athletic training.

o  Enhances public protection by ensuring qualified, accountable practitioners.

o  Aligns state law with national best practices and credentialing expectations.

This could be a huge and unnecessary expense for smaller rural hospitals.

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Proposes an amendment to R.S. 40:2109(B)(6) concerning hospital classifications and standards. The bill seeks to remove the existing exemption that allows hospitals in parishes with populations of 250,000 or less to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement for Level III neonatal or obstetric medical services without maintaining in-house obstetric anesthesia personnel on a 24-hour basis. Currently, these hospitals are permitted to have such personnel on-call and available within 20 minutes. If enacted, the bill would require all hospitals, regardless of parish population, to have in-house obstetric anesthesia personnel available 24/7 to qualify for the specified Medicaid reimbursements. The act would become effective upon the governor's signature or as otherwise provided by law.

Proposes several amendments to the structure and function of Louisiana's Drug Policy Board. Key changes include:

·       Policy Update: The bill revises the state's policy language to focus on eliminating "substance and alcohol misuse" and their harmful consequences, replacing previous terms like "abuse" and "poisonous fruit."

·       Board Membership Expansion: The membership of the Drug Policy Board is increased from 23 to 25 members. New additions include:

o  A representative from the Board of Regents specializing in collegiate recovery education and behavioral health services.

o  An individual in recovery for at least five years who is actively engaged in substance use prevention and peer support efforts.

·       Role Adjustments: The bill updates certain positions within the board, such as replacing the representative from the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program with the executive director of the office of drug policy within the governor's office.

·       Terminology Modernization: Throughout the document, terms like "substance abuse" are updated to "substance misuse," reflecting contemporary language preferences.

These board members serve without salary or per diem compensation, but they are reimbursed for travel, lodging and related expenses incurred while attending to board business in accordance with state employee reimbursement policies.

HOUSE floor amendments 5&6 [LINK] change definitions of lessor and lessee entities. Other amendments technical.

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Seeks to establish the "Hospital Lease Accountability Act" within Louisiana law. The primary aim of this legislation is to ensure that executive officers and board members of entities leasing healthcare facilities cannot misuse corporate protections to evade personal liability for misconduct that leads to financial distress in these facilities.

Key provisions of the bill include:

·       Personal Liability: Courts may hold executive officers and board members personally liable if their egregious actions cause or significantly contribute to a lessee healthcare facility's financial distress.

·       Definition of Financial Distress: The bill outlines specific scenarios constituting financial distress, such as facility closure or significant service reductions, failure to pay employees for 30 consecutive days, or filing for bankruptcy.

·       Obligations of Lessor Entities: In events of financial distress, lessor entities are required to:

1.    Provide sufficient funds to maintain the facility's operations for 12 months.

2.    Reimburse the state for any expenditures made to keep the facility operational.

3.    Disclose detailed financial records of transactions with the lessee facility over the preceding five years.

·       Penalties: Board members and executive officers of lessor entities may face personal liability, including repayment of funds extracted from the lessee facility and civil penalties up to $250,000 per individual for knowingly engaging in or approving detrimental financial arrangements.

The bill's overarching goal is to promote accountability and transparency in the governance of essential healthcare service providers in Louisiana, thereby safeguarding the state's healthcare infrastructure.

Proposes changing the domicile of the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry from East Baton Rouge Parish to Orleans Parish. Additionally, the bill allows the board to establish its office in any parish of its choosing. This amendment modifies R.S. 37:753(I) to reflect the new domicile and the board's flexibility in office location.

Proposes amendments to Louisiana's drinking water testing protocols. The bill mandates that for every compliance sample collected under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, public water systems must also perform a chlorine strip test on the same sample at the time of collection. The results of these chlorine tests are to be submitted alongside the lead and copper results to the Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Public Health. This requirement aims to enhance monitoring of chlorine levels in public water systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Seeks to amend R.S. 37:1212 to permit licensed pharmacy technicians in Louisiana to remotely access their pharmacy's electronic prescription records and dispensing information systems. The bill mandates that pharmacies implement measures to protect the privacy and security of confidential records. Additionally, it prohibits pharmacy technicians from duplicating, downloading, or removing any part of the pharmacy's software or dispensing information systems.

HOUSE floor amendment 2715 technical and amendment set 2800 [LINK] authorizes the Louisiana State Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition to submit applicant information to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information for background checks, including fingerprinting and searches of federal databases. Applicants must successfully complete this criminal history check as part of their qualifications for licensure.

HOUSE HGA committee amendments [LINK] formally enacts the Dietician Licensure Compact into Louisiana law, allowing licensed dieticians to practice across member states while making technical corrections

HOUSE H&W committee amendments technical except for Amendment 5 [LINK] which further lists exceptions, exemptions and limitations.

Establishes a Dietitian Licensure Compact for the purpose of multi-state licensure across member states. Key points include:

·       Providing licensure portability for professionals.

·       Supporting active military members and their spouses relocating between member states.

·       Creating a Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission to regulate and enforce standards.

·       Promoting data sharing for licensure, investigation, and disciplinary actions among states.

Amends the Louisiana Fire Service Bill of Rights (R.S. 33:2012) by expanding its coverage to include Emergency Medical Services (EMS). 

Renaming: The bill renames the act to the "Louisiana Fire and Emergency Medical Services Service Bill of Rights." 

Rights Affirmed: 

- Recognizing fire and EMS personnel as first responders to all domestic emergencies. 

- Ensuring protection from dangers associated with emergency response. 

- Providing support for the families of first responders. 

- Offering education on the latest fire and life safety sciences. 

- Guaranteeing access to state-of-the-art equipment. 

- Promoting sharing of effective safety programs. 

- Ensuring awareness of hazardous materials and infectious disease risks. 

- Encouraging public partnership in safety efforts. 

- Honoring the history and sacrifices of fire and EMS personnel. 

Ensures that EMS personnel receive the same protections and rights as fire service personnel under Louisiana law.

Establishes the Patient Overpayment Refund Act to ensure timely refunds of medical bill overpayments. 

Key Provisions: 

- Refunds: Providers must refund overpayments within 90 days of verification. 

- Notification & Records: Providers must notify patients and keep records for 3 years. 

- Penalties: $500 fine or the overpayment amount (whichever is greater) for late refunds; patients can file complaints with the Louisiana Dept. of Health. 

- Alternatives: Overpayments can be credited to outstanding balances with patient consent or handled under unclaimed property laws if the patient is unlocatable. 

Clarifies the role of school resource officers (SROs) as mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. It removes the existing prohibition on SROs receiving information from other mandatory reporters. However, it newly prohibits SROs from receiving reports involving school employees suspected of illegal activity. The bill also retains provisions requiring mandatory reporters to act independently of employer policies that may hinder reporting and protects them from retaliation. Additionally, it maintains the requirement for DCFS to notify the Department of Defense if the alleged abuser is affiliated with the military.

Impact: 

- Allows SROs to receive reports from other mandatory reporters 

- Prohibits SROs from receiving reports involving suspected illegal activity by school employees 

- Reinforces protections for mandatory reporters from employer interference or retaliation 

- Maintains military notification requirement for cases involving active duty families

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Authorizes creation of multi-parish funding districts in parishes with fewer than two hospitals, allowing them to jointly collect local hospital assessments to fund the nonfederal share of Medicaid payments. Each parish must adopt a resolution to form the district and appoint a representative to the governing body. The district must designate a lead parish for administrative duties.

Caps administrative expenses at the lesser of 5% of revenue or $20,000, replacing the current flat cap of $150,000. Permits parishes to contract with third-party entities for assessment collection, instead of requiring sheriffs to collect.

Requires a hospital to grant temporary emergency privileges to a qualified healthcare professional to perform a unique, stabilizing procedure on a patient prior to transfer, even if that professional is not normally credentialed at the hospital.

Key Provisions: 

- Applies when a patient is being transferred to another hospital. 

- The healthcare professional must be credentialed to perform the unique procedure at the receiving hospital. 

- The transferring hospital must verify this credential. 

- Emergency privileges are limited to the duration of the procedure. 

- The professional must notify the hospital before arrival; the hospital has one hour to grant privileges. 

- Defines “unique procedure” to include treatments like ECMO and organ transplant-related procedures.

Purpose: 

Facilitates time-sensitive interventions by allowing outside professionals to perform critical procedures at hospitals where they are not normally credentialed, improving patient outcomes during transfers.

HOUSE committee amendment techincal

Establishes a 12-member Uterine Fibroids Commission within the Louisiana Department of Health. Members include representatives from healthcare organizations, two individuals with related conditions, two legislators, and the executive director of the governor’s office on women’s policy. Most members are appointed by the governor.

Members serve four-year terms without compensation, except legislators who receive per diem and travel reimbursements. The commission will meet quarterly, elect its own chair, and be based in Baton Rouge. LDH will provide staff support.

The commission will evaluate existing efforts, advise on policy, support research and education, and hold public hearings related to uterine fibroids, PCOS, and endometriosis. An annual report is required to be submitted to legislative health committees at least 60 days before each regular session.

(Adds R.S. 36:259(B)(22) and R.S. 40:1104)

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] require the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to audit sexual assault services, including advocacy programs, nurse examiner programs, regional plans, forensic exam availability, and funding. They also make a wording change for clarity.

Requires all licensed hospitals and healthcare providers in Louisiana to offer sexual assault survivors the opportunity to receive forensic medical exams and related treatment.

Effect: 

Strengthens and clarifies existing law to ensure survivors are proactively offered exams. Amends: R.S. 40:1216.1(A)

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Creates a loan repayment program and fund administered by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to recruit specialist physicians to practice in Louisiana.

Key Provisions: 

- Establishes a loan repayment program for physician specialists, defined as licensed allopathic or osteopathic doctors who completed an accredited residency in a specialty such as internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, psychiatry, or emergency medicine. 

- Eligible physicians must be U.S. citizens or nationals, have no conflicting service obligations, loan defaults, or legal issues such as child support arrears. 

- Participants may receive up to $30,000 annually in loan repayment assistance, with a maximum of $150,000 over five years. 

- Recipients must agree to practice full-time in Louisiana for five years, treat Medicaid and Medicare patients, and comply with contract terms. 

- Breach of contract may result in repayment obligations, including the full amount received, additional penalties, and interest. 

- Establishes the Health Workforce Needs Fund in the state treasury to support the program, allowing for public and private funding sources. 

- LDH is required to identify high-need areas, manage applications, verify loan payments, and promulgate necessary rules.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK]

• Redefines and clarifies the scope and limitations of caregiver registries, distinguishing them explicitly from other healthcare service providers.
• Establishes clear prohibitions for caregiver registries, including:
• Employing or supervising caregivers.
• Providing clinical oversight.
• Dictating conditions of caregiver-client relationships.
• Requires caregiver registries to provide information on licensed healthcare providers and facilities.
• Mandates caregiver registries perform background checks on caregivers listed.
• Explicitly states that caregiver registries are not home health agencies, home- and community-based service providers, or nurse staffing agencies.

Establishes a caregiver registry licensing program under the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to regulate entities that refer independent caregivers to clients but do not provide direct care services.

Key Provisions: 

- Defines "caregiver" and "caregiver registry" and sets licensing requirements for registries. 

- Prohibits operating or advertising as a caregiver registry without a license from LDH. 

- Requires licensure application with detailed organizational, financial, and management information. 

- Sets a nonrefundable $1,200 application and biennial renewal fee, with a $100 delinquency fee for late renewals. 

- LDH may suspend, revoke, or deny licenses for noncompliance, including failure to report hours to the Certified Nurse Aide Registry. 

- Mandates caregiver registries to maintain records, conduct background checks, verify credentials, and ensure legal work status before referring caregivers. 

- Requires written agreements with caregivers establishing independent contractor status and outlining tax, liability, and licensing responsibilities. 

- Imposes penalties for unlicensed operation: misdemeanor charges and fines of $250–$1,000 per day, with possible cease-and-desist orders and court injunctions. 

- LDH must adopt rules to implement the program. 

- Effective January 1, 2026.

HOUSE HGA amendments are technical

HOUSE H&W amendments are technical

Enacts the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, allowing Louisiana to join a multi-state agreement to streamline licensure for dentists and dental hygienists across member states.

Key Provisions: 

- Authorizes Louisiana to enter the compact with other states. 

- Establishes standards for compact licensure, including background checks and education/exam requirements. 

- Allows license portability for eligible dentists and hygienists. 

- Prohibits compact fees for active-duty military and spouses. 

- Empowers a commission to administer the compact, adopt rules, and coordinate joint investigations and enforcement. 

- Permits member states to share data, enforce disciplinary actions, and recognize licensure documentation. 

- Provides for dispute resolution, rulemaking, and withdrawal procedures. 

- Exempts certain compact-related records from public disclosure.

COMMITTEE amendments [LINK] define “affiliate” broadly to include entities with shared ownership, control, or influence. The bill applies only going forward. Existing facilities operating without consent before the effective date are exempt. Impacted districts can open the same number of facilities in the other district’s territory in response.

Prohibits hospital service districts or their affiliates from establishing or operating healthcare facilities outside their district boundaries without consent from the affected district.

Key Provisions: 

- Defines "affiliate" broadly to include entities with ownership, control, or shared relationships. 

- Requires written consent from a hospital service district before another district or affiliate can operate a healthcare facility within its boundaries. 

- Consent is also required for expansions or new services requiring additional permits. 

- Exempts cases where no hospital service district exists or when districts have a cooperative agreement. 

- Requires detailed written notice 120 days in advance of establishing a facility, including operational details, staffing, services, financial plans, and prior collaboration efforts. 

- Prohibits applications for permits or licenses before the notice period ends and before consent is obtained. 

- Applications must include certified resolutions from both the proposing and affected districts to be valid. 

- Allows a private right of action to enforce the law. 

These are not fee mandates they're re-setting maximums. They current low caps have these facilities underwater--those who use them should support more of their overhead.

Increases and caps the administrative and service fees charged by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) in parish health units.

Key Provisions:

• Raises the cap on childhood vaccination visit fees from $10 to a maximum of $50 for patients not otherwise served by LDH.
• Increases the cap on fees for international immunizations from $25 to a maximum of $50, with patients also paying vaccine costs.
• Increases clinic/pharmacy service copayments from a total maximum of $10 to $50 per visit (up to $25 per service).
• Authorizes LDH to set and post fee schedules via rulemaking and requires public posting at health units and online.
• Effective upon governor’s signature or lapse of time.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] establish an annual retail permit fee of $22,500 for each of the ten authorized therapeutic marijuana retail permit holders. Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Health must collect detailed annual information from each permit holder, including amounts of marijuana produced and distributed, production costs, subcontracting details, therapeutic chemicals produced, and related financial transactions.

Requires an annual fee for therapeutic marijuana retail permits.

Key Provisions:

• Amends existing law to mandate a $5,000 annual permit fee for each retail outlet licensed to sell therapeutic marijuana.
• Fee is collected by the Louisiana Department of Health as part of the annual renewal process.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

Urges the LSU School of Public Health to revise its breast cancer screening guidelines, lowering the recommended starting age for routine mammograms from age 40 to age 30. It also requests the LSU School of Public Health to establish an early breast cancer screening program starting at age 30 within the existing Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program, emphasizing earlier detection to improve survival outcomes.