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 643 Reengrossed 2023 Regular Session Horton
Abstract: Requires cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing for newborns.
Proposed law requires a healthcare provider attending a newborn child to administer appropriate
testing for the cytomegalovirus if the newborn fails the newborn hearing screen.
Proposed law further requires the La. Dept. of Health (LDH) to provide payment directly to all
healthcare providers for the costs incurred as a result of the administration of testing in accordance
with proposed law.
Proposed law provides that payment shall be made by LDH within 15 days of receiving a claim for
payment from a healthcare provider.
Proposed law shall be known and may be cited as "Journie's Law".
(Adds R.S. 40:1086.21)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Remove the requirement for hospitals, birthing centers, licensed midwives, and certified
nurse midwives to ensure that a test for the cytomegalovirus (CMV) be delivered to a
newborn.
2. Remove the requirement for LDH to report any positive test results within five days.
3. Require a healthcare provider attending a newborn child to administer appropriate testing
for CMV if the newborn fails the newborn hearing screen.
4. Require LDH to provide payment directly to all healthcare providers for the costs
incurred as a result of the administration of testing in accordance with proposed law.
6. Require payments to be made by LDH within 15 days of receiving a claim for payment
from a healthcare provider.
7. Make technical corrections.