Healthcare

SB 162 modifies Louisiana's workers' compensation system by changing how disputes over medical treatment decisions are handled. It allows any party disagreeing with a medical director's decision to appeal within 45 days using LWC Form 1008. To overturn a decision, the appealing party must present "clear and convincing evidence" showing the decision violated the law, and only evidence previously reviewed by the medical director can be used in the appeal. This directly affects workers and employers in Louisiana workers' compensation cases involving medical treatment disputes. The bill focuses on streamlining the appeals process for medical treatment decisions under the existing workers' compensation framework.

This bill, known as the Louisiana Medical Freedom Act, prohibits businesses, schools, and government entities from denying services, employment, or access to individuals based on their refusal to undergo medical interventions such as vaccines or testing. It also bans employers from requiring medical interventions as a condition of employment and prevents schools from mandating such interventions beyond existing immunization laws. The legislation allows for reasonable accommodations and existing legal exemptions while repealing previous requirements related to immunization and school attendance. Violations of the act can be prosecuted by state or local prosecutors, with potential awards of attorney fees and court costs.

HB 774 requires health insurance companies in Louisiana to cover hearing aids for children under 18 and young adults up to age 26 who are already covered under their insurance policy. The bill mandates that coverage must be provided by a licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist after a physician's medical clearance and a medically appropriate audiological evaluation. This change applies directly to insured individuals in these age groups and overrides previous insurance coverage limitations (R.S. 22:1047). The law ensures that hearing aid coverage is tied to medical necessity and professional evaluation, rather than being excluded under standard policy terms.