RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 646 (HB 517) 2022 Regular Session Selders
New law (R.S. 15:827.4) creates the DPS&C Medical Advisory Council composed of
medical directors from each state prison facility and the department medical director.
New law provides that the council shall provide recommendations to DPS&C on the
following:
(1)Hiring and retention.
(2)Departmental policies.
(3)Post-mortem review.
(4)A health electronic records system.
(5)Other reasonably related responsibilities.
New law requires the council to elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary and hold quarterly
meetings.
New law provides that the initial council members shall serve until Aug. 14, 2025. All
subsequent members shall serve three-year terms beginning on Aug. 15th of each successive
term.
New law provides that the secretary shall have authority to contract with consultants to assist
the council and the medical director.
New law requires the council to submit a quarterly report to the state health officer within
the La. Dept. of Health.
Existing law (R.S. 15:831) provides for the medical care of inmates. Provides that the
DPS&C secretary shall establish standards for health, medical, and dental services for each
institution.
New law provides that the Medical Advisory Council shall provide recommendations to the
DPS&C secretary.
Effective August 1, 2022.
(Amends R.S. 15:831(A); Adds R.S. 15:827.4)