07SessionSummaryProfLic

2007 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature
LAJ summary of selected bills and effective dates

Professional licensing and scope of practice
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Nursing homes. Creates pilot medication attendant program administered by the Department of Health and Hospitals for the certification of medication attendants to work in licensed nursing homes. Pilot program terminates Aug. 1, 2011. (Adds R.S. 37:1026.1-1026.9)
HB 246 McDonald; Act 293; Effective 7/9/07

Amends the Respiratory Therapy Practice Act to expand the definition of respiratory therapy to include the prescribing authority of advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants,  as well as additional activities and procedures; provides licensing requirements and procedures. (Amends R.S. 36:259(E)(18) and R.S. 37:3353(2)-(6), 3354(A) and (B), (3), and (4), 3355(2) and (3), 3356(A), (B)(1), (F), and (G), 3357, 3358(A), (2), and (3), (B), and (D), 3359, 3360(A), and 3361(2)-(4); adds R.S. 37:3354(B)(5), 3357.1-3357.4, and 3358(A)(4)-(19); repeals R.S. 37:3354(C)-(E) and 3357(E)(2) and (3))
HB 251 Guillory, M; Act 142; Effective 8/15/07

Expands the definition of podiatry to include the treatment of the ankle, muscles, or tendons of the lower leg. Changes reasons for refusal to issue, suspend, or revoke a license, certificate, or permit. (Amends R.S. 37:611(3)(a), 616, and 624)
HB 770 Salter; Act 204; Effective 6/27/07

Requires the timely reporting of impaired health care professionals to state licensing boards within 72 hours of an adverse action, surrender, resignation, or withdrawal. Reports are confidential and exempt from public records law. Immunity for mandatory reporters (health care entities and employees and agents of such entities), unless the reporter knew of the falsity of the information. A report that includes disclosure of any peer review information does not constitute a waiver of any legal or evidentiary privilege, nor form the basis of any claim or action for damages or injunctive relief of any kind or nature, including breach of confidentiality, invasion of privacy, or otherwise, nor deprive the person, health care entity, committee, or any peer review entity making disclosure, of the benefit of the immunities otherwise provided for in R.S. 13:3715.3. (Amends R.S. 44:4.1(B)(21); adds R.S. 37:1745.2-1745.8 and 2372.1)
SB 282 Schedler; Act 274; Effective 8/15/07