RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 252 (HB 480) 2016 Regular Session Jackson
Existing law provides for regulation of the practice of medicine, including telemedicine.
New law retains existing 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 existing 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 existing 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.
New 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 (May 26, 2016).
(Amends R.S. 37:1271(B)(2)(intro. para.) and (3); Adds R.S. 37:1271.1)