The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Christine Arbo Peck.
DIGEST
SB 414 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session White
Present law provides for laws governing emergency medical services provided by ambulance
transport but is silent on whether an emergency medical services provider can determine to transport
an individual to a location other than a hospital emergency department.
Proposed law clarifies that protocols may be established to allow for alternative destination
transportation if the individual's condition does not meet the definition of emergency medical
condition pursuant to present law. Provides that the alternative destination may be an urgent care
clinic, independent freestanding emergency center, or acute psychiatric facility.
Proposed law provides for rulemaking by the Department of Health to establish a reasonable and
adequate reimbursement methodology for ground ambulance transfers to alternative destination
locations.
Effective August 1, 2018.
(Amends R.S. 40:1131(4)(intro para); adds R.S. 33:4791.1(A)(6) and (B)(7), and R.S. 40:1131.3 and
1133:14(A)(1)(c))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill
1. Changes terminology from behavioral health clinic to acute psychiatric facility.
2. Clarifies that alternative transport is permissible when the individual's condition does
not meet the definition of emergency medical condition in present law.