RDCSB414 2709 3117
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)]
SB 414 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session White
Present law governs emergency medical services provided by ambulance transport, but does
not specify whether an emergency medical services provider is authorized to transport an
individual to a location other than a hospital emergency department.
Proposed law clarifies that protocols may be established to allow for transportation to an
alternative destination if the person's condition does not meet the definition of an emergency
medical condition pursuant to present law, subject to the following conditions:
(1)No person shall be transported to an alternative destination unless he consents to
being transported to that destination.
(2)No ambulance service or emergency medical services practitioner shall transport a
person to an alternative destination in which the service or practitioner has a
financial interest.
Proposed law requires the La. Department of Health to establish through administrative
rulemaking a reasonable and adequate Medicaid reimbursement methodology for ground
ambulance transfers.
(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.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Removes the language that the alternate or alternative destination may
include an urgent care clinic, independent freestanding emergency center, or
acute psychiatric facility.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the reengrossed bill:
1. Stipulate that no person shall be transported to an alternative destination as
authorized in proposed law unless he consents to being transported to that
destination.
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2. Stipulate that no ambulance service or emergency medical services practitioner
shall transport a person to an alternative destination in which the service or
practitioner has a financial interest.
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