Healthcare

SB 195, the "Danny's Dose EMS Treatment Act," allows licensed EMTs, advanced EMTs, and paramedics to administer a patient's own time-critical prescription medications during emergencies. It specifically applies to patients with rare diseases, chronic illnesses, or special medical needs who request it, using only intranasal, intravenous, or intramuscular medications. The bill establishes commission protocols for this practice and grants immunity from liability for EMTs unless gross negligence occurs. This directly affects emergency medical personnel and patients requiring immediate access to their prescribed medications outside standard hospital settings.

SB 206 requires all Louisiana public school districts to conduct blood pressure screenings for students during the first semester or within 30 days of enrollment, following the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended schedule. School boards must document results, follow up on abnormal readings within 60 days, and notify parents in writing if issues are found. This applies to public schools but exempts charter schools from the blood pressure screening requirement specifically (while they still follow other health screening rules). The bill aims to identify hypertension early in students through standardized school-based testing.

SB 275 requires Louisiana health insurers to reimburse certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at the same rate as physicians for identical services performed within a CRNA's scope of practice, regardless of billing codes. It also prohibits insurers from denying CRNAs network inclusion solely based on their provider type or licensure. The law applies to new insurance policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, and existing policies must comply by January 1, 2028. This directly affects insurers, CRNAs, and patients seeking anesthesia services covered under these plans.

HB 747 establishes a new licensure pathway for medical psychologists in Louisiana, replacing the previous "certificate of advanced practice" requirement. It requires medical psychologists to meet specific qualifications - including three years of experience, treatment of 100+ patients using medications like antidepressants, and recommendations from collaborating physicians - to obtain an advanced practice license. The bill mandates that patients treated by these professionals must have an established primary care provider overseeing their overall medical care. Licensing fees are set at $325 for initial issuance and $300 for renewal, with provisions for license reinstatement after expiration. The law directly affects medical psychologists seeking licensure and their patients, while eliminating dual licensure requirements with the existing psychology board.

This bill protects healthcare providers and individuals from civil and criminal liability when they distribute or use Naloxone and other opioid reversal drugs even after their labeled expiration dates have passed. It allows people acting in good faith to administer these medications to someone believed to be having an opioid overdose without fear of legal consequences, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Healthcare professionals are also shielded from disciplinary action by licensing boards for actions covered under this immunity, though federally certified facilities must still follow federal rules regarding expired medications. The law defines "shelf-life end date" based on federal labeling requirements and takes effect upon the governor's signature.