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 546 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session LeBas
Abstract: Provides for the qualifications to operate emergency medical response vehicles and
ambulances.
Present law requires that the La. Dept. of Health (LDH) promulgate rules establishing a list of
required medical and safety equipment that shall be in all ambulances.
Proposed law changes present law by dispensing with the requirement to promulgate rules to
establish the list.
Proposed law adds that the list of equipment to be carried in all ambulances is based on
recommendations from the Health Standards Subcommittee of the La. Ambulance Alliance.
Proposed law provides for the definition of "ambulance".
Present law required a review of the list after four years. Prohibited changing the list more than once
every four years. Permitted supplementing the list with newly developed devices.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Proposed law provides that the LDH provide a list of required medical and safety equipment that
shall be in all emergency medical response vehicles.
Proposed law adds that the LDH shall distribute the list of required medical and safety equipment
to every ambulance service within thirty days of adoption, and within thirty days after each
subsequent adoption as the list is updated.
(Amends R.S. 1135.1(A)(3) and 1135.2(B)(1))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Require that the list of equipment for emergency medical response vehicles be based on
recommendations from the Health Standards Subcommittee of the La. Ambulance
Alliance. 2. Add that the La. Dept. of Health shall distribute the list of required medical and safety
equipment to every ambulance service within thirty days of adoption, and within thirty
days of every subsequent adoption.
3. Makes technical corrections.