Healthcare

introduced · Louisiana · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SR 23: SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Recognizes Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as Nurse Practitioner Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.

This bill designates Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as Nurse Practitioner Day at the Louisiana State Capitol to honor the contributions of nurse practitioners in the state. The resolution acknowledges the role nurse practitioners play in providing healthcare services, expanding access to care, and improving health outcomes for Louisiana residents. It formally commends nurse practitioners for their work and directs a copy of the resolution to the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners. This is a ceremonial measure that recognizes the profession rather than changing laws or policies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors nurse practitioners and acknowledges their role in expanding healthcare access and improving health outcomes, supporting the healthcare workforce.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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passed · Louisiana · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 1041: HEALTH/MEDICAL TREATMENT: Prohibits certain entities from prohibiting access based on a person's medical intervention status

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.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts medical interventions and limits public health programs by prohibiting vaccine mandates and testing requirements, which could weaken public health initiatives.85% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1093: HEALTH: Creates the Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine

This bill creates the Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine and establishes a new licensing framework for naturopathic doctors in the state. The legislation defines the scope of practice for naturopathic medicine, including permitted therapies, diagnostic procedures, and minor office surgeries, while also outlining requirements for education, training, and professional conduct. It grants licensed naturopathic doctors the authority to prescribe certain medications, order diagnostic tests, and compound drugs for individual patient needs, subject to specific limitations and regulations. The bill also transfers oversight of naturopathic medicine from existing agencies to the Louisiana Department of Health and sets rules for advertising, credential display, and fees associated with the new licensing system.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands healthcare options by creating a new licensing framework for naturopathic medicine, increasing patient access to alternative treatments and professional oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 28: NURSES: Creates the Task Force on School Nurse Orientation

This bill establishes a Task Force on School Nurse Orientation in Louisiana to create a training program for new registered nurses entering public schools. The task force will review existing orientation programs, identify essential skills for school nurses, and develop recommendations for standardized training and mentorship opportunities. It will consist of nine representatives from various organizations including nursing associations, education agencies, and health departments, and must begin its work by August 1, 2026. The group will submit its recommendations to the legislature and will dissolve once its work is complete or by February 12, 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates task force to improve school nurse training, enhancing student health support and educational environment in K-12 schools85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates task force to improve school nurse training and orientation, strengthening healthcare access and quality in schools.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Healthcare Workforce

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passed both · Louisiana · Senate May 20, 2026

SCR 2: HOSPITALS: Amends rules relative to certain licensure requirements of hospitals.

This bill updates the architectural design standards that hospitals in Louisiana must follow when applying for licensure. It requires hospital plans to comply with the most recent edition of the Facility Guidelines Institute standards, which are updated every four years rather than being stuck at the 2014 version. The change ensures that the state uses current building guidelines when reviewing hospital construction and renovation projects. This amendment directly affects hospital administrators, architects, and the Louisiana Department of Health, which oversees hospital licensing. The bill is a procedural update to administrative rules rather than a new policy initiative.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill updates hospital architectural standards to current guidelines, improving facility quality and patient safety in healthcare settings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medical Licensing

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1143: PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS: Provides relative to physician assistants

This bill updates Louisiana laws governing physician assistants by renaming the profession to "physician associate associate" and establishing an advisory committee to guide the State Board of Medical Examiners on licensing and regulation matters. The new advisory committee will include three physician associate associates appointed by the governor, with at least one member required to practice in a rural area with fewer than 20,000 people. Key provisions define supervision requirements, allowing physician associates to practice under a supervising physician's direction without needing physical presence as long as they can communicate via phone or other telecommunications. The legislation also modernizes existing statutes to clarify definitions, licensure requirements, and the board's authority while maintaining the requirement that physician associates work under physician supervision.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill updates physician assistant regulations, creates advisory committee with rural representation, and aims to improve healthcare workforce access and supervision standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 962: NURSES: Provides relative to reconstitution of medications for intravenous therapy

This bill updates Louisiana law to clarify the roles of nurses in administering medications within public health clinics. It allows registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice registered nurses to insert subcutaneous medication implants and distribute certain medications for treating sexually transmitted diseases or preventing pregnancy under physician-approved protocols. Additionally, the bill permits these licensed nurses to administer reconstituted medications for intravenous therapy when used according to the medication's labeling, while explicitly stating that this process does not constitute compounding. The changes apply specifically to nurses employed by municipal, parochial, or state-operated public health clinics and require adherence to established procedures and protocols.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands nurses' scope of practice to improve patient access to healthcare services and treatment options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Public Health

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 25, 2026

HB 1028: MEDICAID: Requires the Louisiana Department of Health to increase the reimbursement rates for nonemergency medical transportation providers (EN +$2,601,174 GF EX See Note)

This bill requires the Louisiana Department of Health to set minimum reimbursement rates for nonemergency medical transportation services used by Medicaid recipients. It establishes a minimum payment of $14.50 per trip plus $2.10 per mile for transportation providers. The Louisiana Department of Health must implement these changes by October 1, 2026, through a Medicaid state plan amendment. This policy change directly affects transportation providers serving Medicaid patients and the state's healthcare administration.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases reimbursement rates for nonemergency medical transportation, improving patient access to healthcare services for Medicaid recipients.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill increases reimbursement rates for nonemergency medical transportation, directly funding and strengthening transportation services for Medicaid recipients.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

passed · Louisiana · House May 11, 2026

HB 1125: INSURANCE/GROUP-STATE: Provides for participation by full-time firefighters in insurance programs offered by the state's Office of Group Benefits (RE INCREASE SG EX See Note)

This bill allows full-time firefighters in Louisiana local government fire departments to join state insurance programs if their employer chooses to participate. It defines eligible fire departments as any local organization whose main purpose is fire prevention and extinguishing, and requires that all employees and retirees in the same class be included if one firefighter participates. The law also grants credit for prior health insurance coverage during the period before the employer opts into the program, ensuring firefighters don't lose coverage history. Employers retain the discretion to decide whether to enroll their fire department staff in these benefits, with no legal barrier preventing such participation. The changes take effect on January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands health insurance coverage for firefighters by allowing them to participate in state insurance programs, improving access to healthcare benefits.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands health insurance benefits for firefighters by allowing participation in state insurance programs, strengthening worker benefits and protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 405: NURSING HOMES: Provides for a statewide quality oversight initiative for nursing facilities. (8/1/26) (EN GF EX See Note)

This bill, known as the Nursing Home Choice Act, requires Louisiana to provide counseling and alternative options to residents and families of nursing homes that receive the lowest one-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. When a facility is rated one star, staff must offer immediate access to community-based services or transfer residents to a higher-rated nursing home, and potential residents must be notified before placement to explore alternatives. The law also mandates that one-star facilities submit a remediation plan with specific improvement targets within 30 days, provide quarterly progress reports, and face additional monitoring and potential sanctions if they fail to improve their rating within two years. These requirements apply to all nursing homes with a one-star rating on October 1, 2026, and remain in effect until the facility achieves a rating of two stars or higher.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves patient access to quality care by requiring alternatives for low-rated nursing homes and protecting resident rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid Medicare