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 480 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Jackson
Abstract: Provides conditions and authorizations relative to the practice of telemedicine in licensed
healthcare facilities.
Present law provides for regulation of the practice of medicine, including telemedicine.
Proposed law retains present law, and provides that all of the following conditions and authorizations
shall apply to a physician who holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine from the La. State
Board of Medical Examiners and who practices telemedicine upon any patient who is being treated
at a healthcare facility that is required to be licensed pursuant to present law and which holds a
current registration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration:
(1)The physician shall use the same standard of care as if the healthcare services were provided
in person.
(2)The physician shall be authorized to prescribe any controlled dangerous substance without
necessity of conducting an appropriate in-person patient history or physical examination of
the patient as otherwise would be required by present law.
(3)The physician shall not be subject to any regulatory prohibition or restriction on the practice
of telemedicine, including prohibitions or restrictions related to prescribing controlled
dangerous substances, which are in any manner more restrictive than the prohibitions and
restrictions that are otherwise applicable to the entire practice of medicine.
Proposed law provides that nothing therein shall prohibit or otherwise restrict the La. State Board
of Medical Examiners from taking any action allowed by law or regulation in the administration of
any disciplinary matter.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 37:1271(B)(2)(intro. para.) and (3); Adds R.S. 37:1271.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill: 1. Stipulate that the healthcare facilities in which telemedicine may be practiced in the
manner authorized by proposed law must hold a current registration with the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration.
2. Make a technical change.