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 243 Original 2019 Regular Session Dustin Miller
Abstract: Adds requirements as it relates to opioid data reporting, monitoring, and tracking.
Present law requires that the state health officer acting through the office of public health of the La.
Department of Health (LDH) shall prepare, promulgate, and enforce rules and regulations embodied
within the state's Sanitary Code covering all matters within his jurisdiction.
Present law further provides guidelines and directives in carrying out the Sanitary Code.
Proposed law adds to those guidelines and directives a requirement for real-time reporting by
emergency departments of suspected opioid-related overdoses.
Present law provides for the general powers and jurisdiction of the state health offices.
Proposed law adds the reporting of opioid-related overdoses to the state health officer's jurisdiction.
Present law requires that each coroner or physician who signs a death certificate certify the certificate
using the Louisiana Electronic Event Registration System of the Louisiana Department of Health,
state registrar of vital records.
Proposed law requires that each coroner report drug overdose deaths where the decedent's toxicology
results indicate that an opioid was present at the time of death.
Proposed law defines "first responders" and "opioid-related drug overdose".
Proposed law provides that first responders may provide reports or documents to LDH where an
encountered individual was experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose and whether naloxone was
administered.
Proposed law provides that such reports are confidential and exempt from Public Records Law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 40:34(C) and R.S. 44:4.1(B)(26); Adds R.S. 40:4(A)(14), 5(A)(22), and 978.2.1)