Louisiana 2020 2nd Special Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB23

Introduced
9/28/20  
Introduced
9/28/20  
Refer
9/28/20  
Refer
9/28/20  
Report Pass
10/7/20  
Engrossed
10/13/20  
Engrossed
10/13/20  
Report Pass
10/14/20  
Report Pass
10/14/20  
Enrolled
10/20/20  
Chaptered
10/28/20  
Chaptered
10/28/20  
Passed
10/28/20  

Caption

Requires school boards to accept certification of illness from a nurse practitioner or physician assistant when employees use leave due to personal illness. (gov sig) (Item #42)

Impact

If enacted, SB 23 will modify existing state laws related to the management of sick leave among school employees. The requirement for health certification after six days is aimed at ensuring that sick leave is not abused, thereby potentially minimizing excessive absenteeism. Additionally, it grants authority to parish and city school boards to deploy additional rules concerning sick leave usage. This could lead to more uniform practices across school districts in the state concerning employee health issues.

Summary

Senate Bill 23 focuses on amending the sick leave provisions for school employees in Louisiana. The bill mandates that any teacher, school bus operator, or other school employee who uses more than six days of sick leave due to personal illness must present a health certification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. This change is designed to provide clarity and assurance regarding the validity of extended absences due to health issues, which can impact staffing and management in schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 23 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers, reflected in its unanimous passage in a recent vote. Proponents likely view the bill as a necessary measure to improve accountability and maintain operational effectiveness in schools. However, there may be concerns regarding the additional steps required from employees, especially those with health issues who need to provide certification for longer absences. Discussions might evoke varying degrees of response, balancing the need for oversight against the potential burden on employees.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise from the practicality and implications of requiring documentation from healthcare professionals for sick leave beyond six days. Critics might argue that this creates an additional hurdle for teachers and school staff, particularly those already struggling with health challenges or those who may find accessing medical care difficult. The bill's requirement could spark debates around employee rights and health autonomy in the workplace, leading to discussions on how best to support both educational staff and the needs of the school environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB599

Authorizes certain healthcare practitioners to complete documentation related to illness and end of life treatment

LA HB652

Authorizes certain healthcare professionals to certify the existence of an illness

LA HB977

Provides relative to sick leave granted to teachers, school employees, and school bus operators

LA HB442

Provides relative to the licensed profession of physician assistant

LA SB660

Removing restrictions for supervising physicians for nurse practitioners or physician assistants in WV

LA HB2544

To remove restrictions for supervising physicians for Nurse practitioners or physician assistants in West Virginia

LA HB722

Physician Assistants - Parity With Other Health Care Practitioners (Physician Assistant Parity Act of 2023)

LA SB205

School and community college employees: absences due to illness or accident.

LA SB796

School and community college employees: absences due to illness or accident.

LA SB674

Physician Assistants - Parity With Other Health Care Practitioners (Physician Assistant Parity Act of 2023)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.