RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
SB 27 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Peacock
Prior law provided that a person who wishes to practice medicine in Louisiana must meet
certain minimum qualifications, including being a citizen of the United States. New law
retains prior 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.
New 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.
Provides that each participating state in the compact adopt similar requirements for expedited
licensure including satisfaction of criminal background checks, licensure, and education.
Requires verification of licensure information through the coordinated information system
and exchange of information regarding discipline and adverse actions by all participating
states. Provides that the medical board in the state where the patient is located shall regulate
the physician in that state.
Requires a physician to select a State of Principal License (SPL) within the compact where
the physician already has a license. Provides that the SPL is responsible for conducting the
primary source verification of the applying physician's qualifications to participate in the
compact.
Establishes the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (commission) and grants
each participating state two voting representatives on the commission. Provides for the
powers, duties, financial authority, organization, and rulemaking functions of the
commission. Authorizes the commission to levy and collect an annual assessment from each
member state. 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.
Provides for oversight, enforcement, dispute resolution, withdrawal, and dissolution of the
compact. Provides for severability.
Effective July 1, 2021.
(Amends R.S. 37:1272(2); adds R.S. 37:1310.1)