The original instrument was prepared by Christine Arbo Peck. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Jeanne
C. Johnston.
DIGEST
SB 360 Reengrossed 2016 Regular Session Mills
Present law (R.S. 40:1155(5)) defines "LaPOST" as "Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of
Treatment".
Proposed law retains present law definition and additionally provides that LaPOST is further defined
by the form prescribed in proposed law.
Present law (R.S. 40:1155(8)) provides that "Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of Treatment"
means a form which documents the wishes of a qualified patient in a physician order.
Present law verbally specifies the wording and information requirements for each section and field
of the form which provide information, instructions, and areas to record information, including the
following:
(1)HIPAA statement.
(2)Name of form.
(3)Instructions for following physician orders.
(4)Fields to record personal information and signatures of physician, patient, and patient's
personal health care representative.
(5)Patient diagnosis.
(6)Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
(7)Medical interventions, including levels of additional interventions.
(8)Use or non-use of antibiotics.
(9)Artificially administered fluids and nutrition, including when and how such may be used.
(10)Other instructions.
(11)Summary of goals, including the basis for physician orders.
(12)Directions for health care professionals. (13)Completing LaPOST.
(14)Using LaPOST.
(15)Review of LaPOST form.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Proposed law (R.S. 40:1155.2.1) replaces the verbal directives in present law as to the form's content
with a visual representation of the actual LaPOST form to be used, which essentially includes the
information required in present law. Primary changes to the required form are as follows:
(1)Specifies that LaPOST complements an Advance Directive and is not intended to replace that
document.
(2)Adds field for a medical record number.
(3)Adds statement that use of the form is voluntary and that the signatures on the form indicate
that the physician's orders are consistent with the patient's medical condition and treatment
plan, and are the known desires or in the best interest of the patient.
Effective upon signature of the governor or upon lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 40:1155.2(5); adds R.S. 40:1155.2.1; repeals R.S. 40:1155.2(8))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill
1. Makes technical changes to the statutory requirements for the LaPOST form.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Replaces verbal directions as to the wording, content, and layout of the LaPOST form
with a visual representation of the actual form to be used, including the required
information.