Nevers' SB 26, allowing diagnostic orders from out-of-state physicians passes unanimously

An out-of-state physician with an established relationship with a Louisiana resident may soon be able to order diagnostic tests under certain conditions following the passage of SB 26, authored by Sen. Ben Nevers (D, Bogalusa).

The bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously and has been signed by the senate president. It cleared the House without amendments and cleared the Senate by a 37-0 vote on Monday. It was signed by Senate President Joel Chaisson on Wednesday.

The legislation will allow the state Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules to allow an out-of-state physician to order routine diagnostic testing for an established patient provided the physician-patient relationship was initiated through an in-person visit with the physician in another state. Under the legislation, a health care facility or provider that is presented with such an order may choose to not recognize it.

The bill designated an “out-of-state physician” as any physician who is duly licensed to practice medicine in any state or jurisdiction in the United States other than Louisiana.

The bill had widespread support, including the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians.

(Published first at http://www.wpnewsblog.blogspot.com)
(This is a reader news tip story)