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 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Dustin Miller
Abstract: Establishes requirements for reporting and tracking of certain data relating to suspected
opioid-related overdoses.
Present law requires the state health officer, acting through the office of public health of the La.
Department of Health (LDH), to prepare, promulgate, and enforce rules and regulations embodied
within the state's sanitary code. Provides guidelines and directives for promulgation and
implementation of the sanitary code.
Proposed law retains present law and adds a requirement that the sanitary code provide for reporting
by emergency departments of chief complaints, admit reasons, and discharge diagnosis data relating
to suspected opioid-related overdoses.
Present law requires that each coroner or physician who signs a death certificate certify the certificate
using the La. Electronic Event Registration System.
Proposed law retains present law and adds a requirement that each coroner report drug overdose
deaths where the decedent's toxicology results indicate that an opioid was present at the time of
death. Requires that such reports be entered into the La. Electronic Event Registration System.
Proposed law defines "first responders" and "opioid-related drug overdose" for purposes of proposed
law.
Proposed law authorizes first responders to provide reports or documents to the LDH office of public
health where an encountered individual was experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose and
whether naloxone was administered. Provides that such reports and documents are confidential and
exempt from the requirements of present law relative to public records, R.S. 44:1 et seq.
Effective upon signature of 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) and 978.2.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill: 1. Provide that the rules and regulations of the state sanitary code shall provide for reporting
by emergency departments of chief complaints, admit reasons, and discharge diagnosis
data relating to suspected opioid-related overdoses.
2. Delete proposed law providing that the state health officer shall have exclusive
jurisdiction, control, and authority over the reporting of opioid-related overdoses.