SLS 25RS-144 ENGROSSED
2025 Regular Session
SENATE BILL NO. 21
BY SENATOR WHEAT
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
CRIME/PUNISHMENT. Adds veterinarians and veterinary clinics to the definitions of
"healthcare professional" and "healthcare facility" for purposes of certain assault and battery
offenses. (8/1/25)
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 14:34.8(B)(3) and 40.9(B)(3), relative to assault and battery; to
3 add veterinarians and veterinary clinics to the definitions of "healthcare professional"
4 and "healthcare facility" for purposes of battery of emergency room personnel,
5 emergency services personnel, or a healthcare professional and unlawful disruption
6 of the operation of a healthcare facility; and to provide for related matters.
7 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
8 Section 1. R.S. 14:34.8(B)(3) and 40.9(B)(3) are hereby amended and reenacted to
9 read as follows:
10 §34.8. Battery of emergency room personnel, emergency services personnel, or a
11 healthcare professional
12 * * *
13 B. For purposes of this Section:
14 * * *
15 (3) "Healthcare professional" means a person licensed or certified by this
16 state to provide healthcare or professional services as a physician, physician
17 assistant, dentist, registered or licensed practical nurse or certified nurse assistant,
Page 1 of 3
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 21
SLS 25RS-144 ENGROSSED
1 advanced practice registered nurse, certified emergency medical technician,
2 paramedic, certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, respiratory
3 therapist, clinical nurse specialist, pharmacist, optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor,
4 physical therapist, occupational therapist, licensed radiologic technologist, licensed
5 clinical laboratory scientist, licensed professional counselor, certified social worker,
6 psychologist, patient transporter, dietary worker, patient access representative,
7 security personnel, patient relations advocate, veterinarian, veterinary staff, or any
8 other person who otherwise assists in or supports the performance of healthcare
9 services.
10 * * *
11 §40.9. Unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility
12 * * *
13 B. For purposes of this Section:
14 * * *
15 (3) "Healthcare facility" means any hospital, outpatient clinic, ambulatory
16 surgical center, veterinary clinic, or other setting where healthcare services are
17 provided.
18 * * *
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Senate Legislative Services.
The keyword, summary, 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)]
DIGEST
SB 21 Engrossed 2025 Regular Session Wheat
Present law provides for the crimes of assault and battery of emergency room personnel,
emergency services personnel, or a healthcare professional and defines "healthcare
professional".
Proposed law retains present law and adds veterinarians and veterinary staff to the definition
of "healthcare professional".
Present law provides relative to the crime of unlawful disruption of the operation of a
healthcare facility and defines "healthcare facility".
Proposed law retains present law and adds veterinary clinics to the definition of "healthcare
facility".
Page 2 of 3
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 21
SLS 25RS-144 ENGROSSED
Effective August 1, 2025.
(Amends R.S. 14:34.8(B)(3) and 40.9(B)(3))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary C to the
original bill
1. Add veterinary staff to the definition of "healthcare professional".
Page 3 of 3
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.