SB 358 creates a new insurance requirement for independent contractors in Louisiana, specifically providing occupational accident coverage to protect them if injured on the job. It defines "independent contractor" (excluding most manual labor) and mandates that contractors obtain private insurance meeting minimum standards: $1 million in medical benefits per injury, temporary disability payments, and death/disfigurement coverage. Principals (businesses hiring contractors) avoid liability as "statutory employers" if contractors maintain this coverage, have a written agreement, and retain control over work methods. The law directly affects independent contractors in construction, commercial driving, and equipment operation who currently lack workers' compensation protections.
HB 554 establishes a tiered system of civil fines for healthcare facilities in Louisiana that violate safety and operational standards. It categorizes violations by severity: Class A (causing death/serious harm) carries up to $2,500 for a first offense and $10,500 daily for repeats; Class B (high risk of harm) up to $2,500/$6,000; Class C (potential harm) up to $2,000/$4,000; and Class D (administrative issues) up to $200/$500. The bill also imposes separate daily penalties for late reporting of abuse, neglect, or deaths, and requires the Louisiana Department of Health to publish an annual report on penalties assessed and repeat offenders. This directly affects hospitals, nursing homes, and other licensed healthcare facilities by increasing accountability for safety lapses.
HB 918 requires Louisiana's Department of Health to create a list of "critical prescription drugs" based on factors like cost to Medicaid, usage, and availability of alternatives. Drug manufacturers must report detailed cost data (including production, R&D, marketing, and international pricing) for drugs on this list. The bill also mandates that marketing materials to healthcare providers include current wholesale prices for each drug. These transparency measures aim to inform pricing decisions without directly setting drug costs.
SB 32 establishes the Perinatal Bereavement Care Initiative within Louisiana's Department of Health to improve support for families experiencing pregnancy loss or infant death. The bill requires hospitals providing maternity care to receive staff training on supporting grieving parents, access to bereavement resources (like counseling referrals), and perinatal bereavement devices. It prioritizes hospitals serving high-risk patients, delivering many babies, or lacking current bereavement resources. The initiative can fund these services using voluntary monies, including federal grants and donations, without imposing new taxes.
SB 366 amends Louisiana's Medical Malpractice Act to set a $1.5 million cap on total compensation for medical negligence claims (adjusted annually for inflation), including past medical costs and lost wages. It also limits a single healthcare provider's liability to $250,000 per patient (adjusted for inflation) and requires courts to separately assess future medical care needs. The bill changes how future medical expenses are handled, allowing patients to choose between direct payment, trust funds, or reimbursement through the Patient's Compensation Fund. These changes apply to all medical malpractice claims filed under Louisiana law.
SB 113 establishes a backup mechanism for Louisiana's Local Healthcare Provider Participation Program in Calcasieu Parish. If the parish fails to authorize a local hospital assessment payment by June 1, 2026, municipalities within the parish with populations over 60,000 may independently authorize such assessments for healthcare providers operating within their city limits. The bill treats these municipalities as equivalent to parishes for compliance purposes, requiring them to meet the same program requirements. This procedural bill directly affects Calcasieu Parish and its larger municipalities, clarifying governance authority for healthcare funding.
SB 246 requires health insurers and related entities (like pharmacy benefit managers) to disclose when artificial intelligence (AI) is used in denying coverage decisions. The bill prohibits AI from discriminating, violating health regulations, or delaying care, and mandates that AI decisions must be based on individual patient medical history - not group data - and include human review for medical necessity claims and prior authorization requests. Insurers must also conduct quarterly AI performance reviews, allow patients to request AI-related documentation, and cannot use AI in subsequent reviews of appeals where AI was the basis for denial.
This bill allows terminally ill patients (with a prognosis of one year or less) in Louisiana healthcare facilities to use medical marijuana under specific conditions. It requires facilities to permit use while prohibiting smoking/vaping, documenting it in medical records, and storing it securely in locked containers. Facilities must follow state guidelines but are not required to provide recommendations or include marijuana in discharge plans. The law acknowledges federal Schedule I restrictions but mandates compliance with state rules, allowing temporary suspension if federal agencies take enforcement action against such facilities.
HB 761 creates an advisory board within Louisiana's Department of Health to review and recommend new treatments for rare cancers. The 17-member board includes health officials, cancer researchers, oncologists from major institutions (like LSU, Tulane, and Xavier), and representatives from cancer research centers. The board must hold quarterly public meetings, compile findings within 30-45 days, and submit written reports to the Insurance Committees of both legislative chambers. This process directly affects how the Department of Health evaluates rare cancer treatments, streamlining recommendations to the agency for potential adoption.
HB 760 prohibits Louisiana Medicaid-enrolled healthcare providers from charging patients extra fees or co-payments for covered services related to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. The bill requires providers to accept the Medicaid program’s payment as full payment for these services, eliminating unauthorized charges. Violations could lead to the provider’s termination or exclusion from Medicaid for up to one year. This directly affects Medicaid providers and patients receiving medication-assisted treatment, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for these specific covered services.
