The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Christopher D. Adams.
DIGEST
Heitmeier (SB 499)
Present law provides a direct service worker may perform the following tasks for an individual:
(1)Administration of oral and topical medication, ointments, suppositories, or a pre-
measured dosage unit provided by the manufacturer of an oral inhalant aerosol as ordered
by an authorized prescriber. Any medication administered by a direct service worker
under present law shall be in a container that meets acceptable pharmaceutical standards
and is marked with clear instructions, the prescriber's name, the prescription number, if
any, and the name of medication, dosage, and route. Under no condition shall a direct
service worker administer medications not in compliance with the provisions of present
law.
(2)Provision of routine hydration, nutrition, or medication by way of an established gastro-
tube.
(3)Other non-complex tasks which may be delegated by the registered nurse to the direct
service worker pursuant to rules promulgated pursuant to present law.
Proposed law provides direct service workers may administer insulin subcutaneously, nasally, or
via insulin pump for individuals subject to criteria to be developed, and rules and regulations
promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, in conjunction with the Louisiana State
Board of Nursing, consistent with present law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 37:1032)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill
1. Provides for the administering of insulin by direct service workers subject to the
rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, in
conjunction with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.