The 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.

By incorporating these changes, the legislation aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding the safety and operational integrity of veterinary services, aligning them with protections afforded to other healthcare personnel and facilities. This move acknowledges the critical role that veterinary professionals play in healthcare and aims to safeguard them from violence and disruption in their work environments.

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)