HLS 16RS-1177 ENGROSSED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 579
BY REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT JOHNSON
DIETITIANS: Provides relative to the delivery of nutrition services
1 AN ACT
2To enact R.S. 37:3083(1)(f), relative to nutrition services; to authorize a licensed dietitian
3 or nutritionist to directly order dietary plans; to authorize a licensed dietitian or
4 nutritionist to directly request laboratory tests; and to provide for related matters.
5Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 37:3083(1)(f) is hereby enacted to read as follows:
7 ยง3083. Definitions
8 As used in this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
9 (1) "Dietetics/nutrition practice" means the integration and application of
10 principles derived from the sciences of nutrition, biochemistry, food, physiology,
11 management, behavioral, and social sciences to achieve and maintain client health
12 through the provision of nutrition care services, which shall include:
13 * * *
14 (f) Within a healthcare facility licensed by the Department of Health and
15 Hospitals, ordering appropriate nutritional intake, including enteral and parenteral
16 nutrition, and ordering appropriate laboratory tests to monitor the effectiveness of
17 the dietary plan, subject to the approval of and authorization by the licensed
18 healthcare facility's medical staff or bylaws.
19 * * *
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 16RS-1177 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 579
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 579 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Robert Johnson
Abstract: Authorizes a licensed dietitian or nutritionist to directly order dietary plans for
patients and to request laboratory tests for monitoring the effectiveness of dietary
plans.
Present law authorizes a licensed dietitian or nutritionist to assess nutritional needs and
recommend a dietary plan to the patient's primary healthcare provider.
Proposed law retains present law and further authorizes a licensed dietitian or nutritionist
employed by a healthcare facility licensed by the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to directly
order the dietary plan and appropriate laboratory tests to monitor the effectiveness of the
dietary plan subject to the approval of and authorization by the licensed healthcare facility's
medical staff or bylaws.
(Amends R.S. 37:3083(1)(f))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the original bill:
1. Restore present law.
2. Limit the authority to directly order the dietary plan and laboratory tests to
dietitians and nutritionists employed by a healthcare facility licensed by DHH
subject to approval of the facility.
3. Make technical changes.
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.