This bill amends R.S. 40:2109(B)(6) to establish new classifications and standards for hospitals in Louisiana. A significant change is the removal of exemptions that previously allowed certain hospitals, specifically those located in parishes with populations of 250,000 or less, to avoid the requirement of having in-house obstetric anesthesia personnel available on a 24-hour basis. This change aims to ensure that all hospitals meet uniform standards for providing obstetric services, particularly in relation to Medicaid reimbursement for Level III, neonatal, or obstetric medical services.

The bill also specifies that the new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026. By eliminating the previous exemptions, the legislation seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of obstetric care across the state, ensuring that all hospitals adhere to the same standards regardless of their location or size.