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 488 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Jackson
Abstract: Increases stringency of qualifications required of physicians who perform elective
abortions.
Present law provides that no person shall perform or induce an elective abortion unless that person
is a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state and is currently enrolled in or has completed
a residency in obstetrics and gynecology or family medicine.
Proposed law revises present law to provide that no person shall perform or induce an elective
abortion unless that person is a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state and is
board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology or family medicine, or is or is enrolled in a residency
program for obstetrics and gynecology or family medicine and only performs or induces an abortion
under the direct supervision of a physician who is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology or
family medicine.
Proposed law defines "direct supervision", for purposes of proposed law, to mean that the physician
must be present in the hospital, on the campus, or in the outpatient facility, and immediately
available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the performance of the procedure, but need
not be present in the room when the procedure is performed in order to maintain direct supervision.
(Amends R.S. 40:1061.10(A)(1))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Revise the physician qualifications provided in proposed law to stipulate that no
physician shall perform or induce an abortion unless he is board-certified in obstetrics
and gynecology or family medicine, or is enrolled in a residency program for obstetrics
and gynecology or family medicine and only performs or induces an abortion under the
direct supervision of a physician who is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology or
family medicine.
2. Define "direct supervision" for purposes of proposed law to mean that the physician must
be present in the hospital, on the campus, or in the outpatient facility, and immediately
available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the performance of the procedure, but need not be present in the room when the procedure is performed in order
to maintain direct supervision.