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.
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.