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 618 Original 2016 Regular Session Willmott
Abstract: Requires a health facility to provide notice to parents of the right to determine the final
disposition of a miscarried or stillborn child.
Proposed law requires a health facility, prior to the final disposition of a miscarried or stillborn child,
but in no event more than 24 hours after the miscarriage or stillbirth occurs in the facility, to notify
to least one parent, both orally and in writing, of both of the following:
(1)The parent's right to arrange for the final disposition of the child.
(2)The availability of a chaplain or other counseling concerning the death of the child, whether
provided by the facility or another provider.
No notice is required if both parents are incapacitated or otherwise unable to receive the notification
required by proposed law.
Proposed law grants the parent a period of 48 hours from receipt of the notice to elect in writing to
arrange for the final disposition of the child. If the parent's decision for final disposition is not
received within 48 hours, proposed law requires the health facility to dispose of the remains in
accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Dept. of Health and Hospitals.
(Adds R.S. 40:1191.1-1191.2)