Healthcare

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1211: HEALTH: Provides relative to summer meal distribution sites

This bill updates Louisiana laws to clarify the role of the Department of Health in managing rural summer meal distribution sites. It specifically defines these locations as places that only distribute pre-packaged, shelf-stable food without preparing meals on-site. Under the new rules, the state health officer will have the authority to create and enforce regulations for these specific sites, treating them differently from traditional food service establishments. The legislation aims to provide a clear legal framework for how these programs operate in rural areas.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill clarifies roles for summer meal distribution, improving food access which supports public health and nutrition.65% confidence

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1199: INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to health insurance coverage for genetic testing and the treatment of SCN2A-associated medical conditions (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 1199 mandates that health insurance plans cover genetic testing and treatments for SCN2A-associated medical conditions without imposing cost-sharing fees on members who are covered under their policy. The bill requires insurers to include these specific services in their coverage without charging patients a portion of the cost. This legislation directly affects individuals with SCN2A-related conditions and the health insurance providers who must adjust their benefit structures accordingly.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for genetic testing and treatments, expanding access and removing cost-sharing fees for patients.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

passed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SR 170: GENETICS: Requests the Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Department of Health to jointly review the implementation and enforcement of Louisiana's biomarker testing coverage law.

This Senate Resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Department of Health to jointly review how the state's biomarker testing coverage law is being enforced. The study will examine claims data from 2024 to the present to understand why some tests are denied, how long approval takes, and what barriers patients face. The agencies must submit a report by February 1, 2027, detailing their findings and offering recommendations to improve patient access to these medical tests. This bill does not change any laws but instead directs government officials to investigate current practices and report back to the legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill aims to improve patient access to medical tests by reviewing coverage barriers and denying practices.85% confidence

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1155: HEALTH CARE/PROVIDERS: Provides for the use of nitrous oxide by physicians during medical procedures

This bill allows licensed physicians in Louisiana to use nitrous oxide as pain relief during minor office surgeries and similar procedures. It requires the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to create specific safety guidelines for this practice while explicitly prohibiting the board from banning its use in these settings. The legislation directly affects doctors who may now have an additional tool for managing patient pain in outpatient settings, provided they follow the board's rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands physicians' ability to manage patient pain, improving access to pain relief tools and enhancing patient care options.90% confidence

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SCR 27: MEDICAID: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for breast pumps and related supplies.

This bill asks the Louisiana Department of Health to raise the monthly Medicaid reimbursement rate for breast pumps and related supplies from $80 to at least $140. The change is intended to encourage more providers to participate in the program and ensure that mothers have better access to quality equipment, particularly those who work or face logistical challenges. By aligning the rate with the national average seen in other states, the resolution aims to support breastfeeding and potentially improve maternal and infant health outcomes. The Department of Health is urged to implement this increase through standard administrative processes while remaining compliant with federal Medicaid rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases Medicaid reimbursement for breast pumps, expanding access to essential health equipment and strengthening maternal health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1223: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Establishes the Louisiana Clinical Trial Competitiveness and Patient Access Act

This bill, titled the Louisiana Clinical Trial Competitiveness and Patient Access Act, aims to support economic development by establishing a framework for clinical trials within the state. It directly affects healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients by creating new provisions to enhance the competitiveness of clinical research in Louisiana. The legislation includes specific amendments that clarify the law does not override federal restrictions and expands the scope of protected protocols to include nonpublic ones. By adding these details, the bill seeks to provide clearer guidelines for conducting clinical trials while ensuring compliance with existing federal regulations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a framework to enhance clinical trial competitiveness and patient access, directly supporting healthcare research and services.85% confidence

passed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SR 181: HEALTH CARE: Requests the Department of Health to establish the Louisiana Tumor Registry Expansion and Data Modernization Task Force.

This Senate Resolution requests the Louisiana Department of Health to create a task force dedicated to upgrading the state's cancer data system. The proposed group will study how to modernize the Louisiana Tumor Registry by improving electronic health record sharing and enabling real-time cancer tracking. The task force will consist of eleven members from healthcare, technology, and public health sectors who will develop recommendations for better data collection and infrastructure. Their work will focus on identifying gaps in cancer care access and creating a plan for sustainable expansion of the registry. The group is required to submit its findings and any proposed laws to the Senate by February 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a task force to modernize cancer data systems and improve electronic health record sharing, directly enhancing healthcare infrastructure and data capabilities.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates modernization of cancer data systems and improves electronic health record sharing, directly advancing technology infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Data Privacy

Track

passed · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HR 288: SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates May 22, 2026, as World Preeclampsia Awareness Day in Louisiana

This Louisiana legislative resolution designates Friday, May 22, 2026, as World Preeclampsia Awareness Day within the state. The measure aims to raise public awareness about preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure that poses risks to both mothers and infants. Additionally, the resolution acknowledges Woman's Hospital for its role in providing care to pregnant women and working to reduce maternal and infant deaths. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to highlight the importance of addressing maternal health issues in Louisiana.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness about preeclampsia and acknowledges a hospital's role in reducing maternal deaths, promoting health education.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Women's Health

Track

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 470: HEALTH CARE: Provides relative to pregnant women in custody. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)

This bill modifies an existing law regarding pregnant women in custody to clarify that funding for their care can come from nonprofit organizations or federal grants. The change is a minor amendment that adds specific sources of financial support to the current legal framework. It directly affects state agencies responsible for managing the healthcare of incarcerated pregnant women. The legislation does not alter the core requirement for providing care but expands the list of permissible funding origins.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands permissible funding sources for essential healthcare services, strengthening financial support for a critical public program.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands funding sources for healthcare of incarcerated pregnant women by allowing nonprofit and federal grants.90% confidence

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 1176: INSURANCE/HEALTH: Requires that Medicare Advantage plans provide insurance coverage for integrative care services (EN SEE FISC NOTE See Note)

This bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to cover integrative care services, directly affecting millions of Americans enrolled in these private insurance options. The legislation mandates that these plans include coverage for such services starting on January 1, 2027, with a later date adjustment to January 1, 2028, as specified in the text amendments. By establishing this new coverage requirement, the bill aims to expand the range of treatments available to Medicare beneficiaries under their existing private plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates Medicare Advantage plans to cover integrative care services, expanding access and benefits for beneficiaries.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare