The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Brandi Cannon.
DIGEST
SB 27 Engrossed 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Peacock
Present law provides that a person who wishes to practice medicine in Louisiana must meet certain
minimum qualifications, including being a citizen of the United States. Proposed law retains present
law and increases the eligibility to also include any person who possesses valid and current legal
authority to reside and work in the United States.
Proposed law enacts the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Proposed law allows Louisiana to
join a multi-state compact for physicians to obtain multi-state license privileges to practice in
participating compact states to enhance the portability of a medical license and ensure the safety of
patients.
Proposed law provides that each participating state in the compact adopt similar requirements for
expedited licensure including satisfaction of criminal background checks, licensure, and education.
Proposed law requires verification of licensure information through the coordinated information
system and exchange of information regarding discipline and adverse actions by all participating
states. Proposed law provides that the medical board in the state where the patient is located shall
regulate the physician in that state.
Proposed law requires a physician to select a State of Principal License (SPL) within the compact
where the physician already has a license. Proposed law provides that the SPL is responsible for
conducting the primary source verification of the applying physician's qualifications to participate
in the compact.
Proposed law establishes the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (commission) and
grants each participating state two voting representatives on the commission. Proposed law provides
for the powers, duties, financial authority, organization, and rulemaking functions of the
commission. Proposed law authorizes the commission to levy and collect an annual assessment from
each member state. Proposed law authorizes the commission to initiate legal action in federal court
in the District of Columbia or where the commission has its principal offices to enforce the
compact's provisions.
Proposed law provides for oversight, enforcement, dispute resolution, withdrawal, and dissolution
of the compact. Proposed law provides for severability.
Effective July 1, 2021.
(Amends R.S. 37:1272(2); adds R.S. 37:1310.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill
1. Adds gross negligence as an exception to the limitation of liability.