The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Christine Arbo Peck.
DIGEST
SB 55 Engrossed 2017 Regular Session Mills
Present law provides for who must obtain a controlled dangerous substance license in Louisiana.
Proposed law clarifies that individuals who conduct research with, procure, possess, or prescribe
controlled dangerous substances in Louisiana must also obtain a license to do so in Louisiana prior
to engaging in any such activity.
Present law provides enrollment access to the Prescription Monitoring Program for prescribing
practitioners. Proposed law establishes a process for automatic enrollment into the Prescription
Monitoring Program upon initial licensure or upon annual renewal of a prescriber's controlled
dangerous substance license.
Present law provides for when a prescriber shall access the Prescription Monitoring Program.
Proposed law expands the mandate to access the program prior to initially prescribing any opioid or
if the patient's course of treatment continues for more than 90 days. It further provides for exceptions
of when a prescriber does not have to check the program.
Proposed law requires all prescribers in Louisiana to obtain three continuing education credit hours
as a prerequisite of license renewal in the first annual renewal cycle after January 1, 2018. Successful
completion of the requirement once shall satisfy the requirement in full. The course shall be in drug
diversion training, best practice prescribing of controlled substances, and appropriate treatment for
addiction.
Proposed law requires the health profession licensing boards that regulate prescribing practitioners
to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the continuing education requirements established
by this law, requires the boards to collect and maintain data on compliance and submit aggregate data
to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare regarding compliance, and clarifies that
these continuing education hours shall be considered among those already required at the time of
passage of this law and not be in addition to what is already required.
Proposed law provisions relative to licensing requirements and prescription requirements are
effective upon signature of the governor or upon lapse of gubernatorial action. Proposed law
provisions relative to continuing education are effective January 1, 2018.
(Amends R.S. 40:973(A) and 978(F); adds R.S. 40:978.3)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill
1. Clarifies that the prescriber or his delegate can access the prescription monitoring
program (PMP).
2. Changes the drug classification that requires prescribers to access the PMP from
Schedule II controlled dangerous substances to opioids.
3. Adds exemptions from accessing the system if a patient is being treated in a hospital
or if the prescription is for less than seven days.
4. Eliminates the need for subsequent continuing education after the first three hour
credit is earned.