Healthcare

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.

HB 469 establishes a $100 annual optional "pharmacy education support fee" for pharmacists and pharmacies renewing licenses or permits in Louisiana. Pharmacists and pharmacies can choose whether to pay the fee or select a specific public university pharmacy school (like Xavier University) to receive it, with the option to opt out entirely. Funds collected must supplement, not replace, existing university funding for pharmacy education programs. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy will distribute payments to chosen schools by April 1 each year, ensuring the money directly supports pharmacy education initiatives at public universities.

HB 182 requires all licensed hospitals and healthcare providers in Louisiana to ensure a qualified healthcare professional (such as a physician or sexual assault nurse examiner) is available during operating hours to provide forensic examinations and treatment to sexual assault survivors. It mandates that facilities offer survivors information about these services and maintain personnel trained to conduct forensic medical exams. The bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers statewide by setting new standards for their response to sexual assault cases. It defines key terms like "qualified healthcare professional" to clarify who can perform these examinations, aiming to improve access to specialized care for survivors.