This bill amends Louisiana law to expand the definitions of "healthcare professional" and "healthcare facility" to include veterinarians and veterinary clinics. Specifically, it modifies R.S. 14:34.8(B)(3) and 40.9(B)(3) to ensure that veterinarians and their staff are recognized as healthcare professionals, thereby extending protections against battery and unlawful disruption of operations that currently apply to other healthcare providers.

The inclusion of veterinarians and veterinary clinics aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding the safety and operation of veterinary services, aligning them with protections afforded to other healthcare professionals and facilities. This change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of veterinary care and the need to safeguard those who provide such essential services.

Statutes affected:
SB21 Original: 14:8(B)(3), 14:9(B)(3)
SB21 Engrossed: 14:8(B)(3), 14:9(B)(3)
SB21 Enrolled: 14:8(B)(3), 14:9(B)(3)
SB21 Act : 14:8(B)(3), 14:9(B)(3)