RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 76 (SB 55) 2017 Regular Session Mills
Prior law provided for who must obtain a controlled dangerous substance license in
Louisiana. New law clarifies that individuals who conduct research with, procure, possess,
or prescribe controlled dangerous substances in La. must also obtain a license to do so in
Louisiana prior to engaging in any such activity.
Prior law provided enrollment access to the Prescription Monitoring Program for prescribing
practitioners. New 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.
Prior law provided for when a prescriber shall access the Prescription Monitoring Program.
New 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 when a prescriber is not required to check the program.
New law requires all prescribers in La. to obtain three continuing education credit hours as
a prerequisite of license renewal in the first annual renewal cycle after Jan. 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.
New law requires the health profession licensing boards that regulate prescribing
practitioners to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the continuing education
requirements established by new 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 on the effective date of new law and not be in
addition to what is already required.
New law provisions relative to licensing requirements and prescription requirements are
effective upon signature of the governor or upon lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
New law provides that provisions relative to continuing education become effective January
1, 2018 and remainder of the Acts is effective upon signature by the governor or lapse of
time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 40:973(A) and 978(F); adds R.S. 40:978.3)