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 117 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session Echols
Abstract: Provides that neither the state health agency nor any healthcare professional licensing
board of the state shall prohibit or restrict the prescribing, administering, or dispensing of
drugs for off-label use.
Present law provides for licensure and regulation by the state of various types of healthcare
professionals.
Proposed law retains present law and stipulates that neither the La. Dept. of Health nor any
healthcare professional licensing board or commission shall prohibit or restrict the prescribing,
administering, or dispensing for an off-label use a drug that has been approved for a specific use by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Proposed law defines "off-label use", for purposes of proposed law, as the use of a prescription drug
for an indication for which it has not been approved by the FDA or the use of such drug in an age
group, dosage, or route of administration that has not been approved by the FDA.
(Adds R.S. 37:1704)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Delete proposed law prohibiting certain actions against healthcare professionals by
licensing boards and commissions in connection with the prescription, administration,
and dispensing of drugs for off-label use.
2. Delete proposed law prohibiting certain actions against healthcare professionals by
hospitals in connection with the prescription, administration, and dispensing of drugs for
off-label use.
3. Provide that neither the La. Dept. of Health nor any healthcare professional licensing
board or commission shall prohibit or restrict the prescribing, administering, or
dispensing for an off-label use a drug that has been approved for a specific use by the
FDA. 4. Make technical changes.