SLS 19RS-223 REENGROSSED
2019 Regular Session
SENATE BILL NO. 166
BY SENATOR LAFLEUR
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
HEALTH SERVICES. Provides relative to physician assistants. (8/1/19)
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 37:1360.31(C)(2)(a)(ii) and 3003(4)(a), relative to physician
3 assistants; to provide for physician assistant qualifications; to provide for referral or
4 order authority for occupational therapy; and to provide for related matters.
5 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 37:1360.31(C)(2)(a)(ii) and 3003(4)(a) are hereby amended and
7 reenacted to read as follows:
8 §1360.31. Services performed by physician assistants
9 * * *
10 C.(1) * * *
11 (2)(a) * * *
12 (i) * * *
13 (ii) Hold an active unrestricted a current license issued by the Louisiana
14 State Board of Medical Examiners.
15 * * *
16 §3003. Definitions
17 As used in this Chapter the following words shall have the meanings
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 166
SLS 19RS-223 REENGROSSED
1 hereinafter ascribed to each:
2 * * *
3 (4)(a) "Occupational therapy" means the application of any activity in which
4 one engages for the purposes of evaluation, interpretation, treatment planning, and
5 treatment of problems interfering with functional performance in persons impaired
6 by physical illness or injury, emotional disorders, congenital or developmental
7 disabilities, or the aging process, in order to achieve optimum functioning and
8 prevention and health maintenance. The occupational therapist may enter a case for
9 the purposes of providing consultation and indirect services and evaluating an
10 individual for the need of services. Prevention, wellness, and education related
11 services shall not require a referral; however, in workers' compensation injuries
12 preauthorization shall be required by the employer or workers' compensation insurer
13 or provider. Implementation of direct occupational therapy to individuals for their
14 specific medical condition or conditions shall be based on a referral or order from
15 a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, dentist,
16 podiatrist, or optometrist licensed to practice. Practice shall be in accordance with
17 published standards of practice established by the American Occupational Therapy
18 Association, Inc., and the essentials of accreditation established by the agencies
19 recognized to accredit specific facilities and programs.
20 * * *
The original instrument was prepared by Christine Arbo Peck. The following
digest, which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was
prepared by Cathy R. Wells.
DIGEST
SB 166 Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session LaFleur
Present law provides for the licensure and regulation of physician assistants by the Louisiana
State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME). Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that a physician assistant shall hold an active unrestricted license issued
by LSBME. Proposed law provides that the license must be current.
Present law provides that occupational therapy may be ordered or referred by certain
licensed healthcare providers. Proposed law adds physician assistants to the providers who
may order or refer occupational therapy for a patient.
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 166
SLS 19RS-223 REENGROSSED
Effective August 1, 2019.
(Amends R.S. 37:1360.31(C)(2)(a)(ii) and 3003(4)(a))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to
the original bill
1. Changes the relationship between the physician assistant and physician from
collaboration to sponsoring.
2. Clarifies that a physician assistant must hold a current license issued by
LSBME to be eligible to apply for prescriptive authority.
3. Clarifies that the legal responsibility for a physician assistant is that of the
physician assistant regardless of care setting.
4. Provides that a physician assistant can refer or order occupational therapy for
a patient.
5. Makes technical corrections.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Removes all proposed changes to the supervisory relationship between the
physician and physician assistant to retain present law.
2. Makes technical corrections.
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.