DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 158 Original 2015 Regular Session Hoffmann
Abstract: Requires the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to publish information on its website
concerning services of the Smoking Cessation Trust, and requires the department to
coordinate certain health programs with those offered by the trust.
Proposed law provides that its purpose is to increase awareness of and access to smoking cessation
programs and services available in La.
Proposed law recognizes the "Smoking Cessation Trust" as the organization of that name which
incorporated in La. pursuant to the judgment rendered in Scott v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. for the
purpose of operating the smoking cessation program called for in that judgment.
Proposed law requires the Dept. of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to establish and maintain on its
website a link to the website of the Smoking Cessation Trust, along with summary information on
programs and services offered by the trust. Provides that DHH may feature the link to the website
and information on programs and services of the trust on any web page it maintains for any program
or office, if the link and information are posted in a conspicuous location.
Proposed law authorizes the secretary of DHH to coordinate, to the extent he deems practical and
appropriate, the programs of the office of public health, the Medicaid coordinated care network
program, and any other program of the department with the programs offered by the Smoking
Cessation Trust.
Proposed law requires that on or before Jan. 1, annually, the secretary of DHH engage with the
executive director of the Smoking Cessation Trust to evaluate means and best practices for
promoting smoking cessation, and to identify opportunities for increasing access to smoking
cessation programs and services available in this state.
Proposed law terminates on Jan. 1, 2022.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 40:1300.431-1300.435)