House Bill No. by Representative Miller amends R.S. 40:2109(B)(6) to establish new classifications and standards for hospitals in Louisiana. The bill specifically removes the exemption that previously allowed hospitals 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 medical services, including the necessary personnel for administering anesthesia.

The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent and practical standards across different classifications of hospitals. By eliminating the previous exemptions, the legislation seeks to enhance the quality of care provided in hospitals, particularly in relation to obstetric services, thereby ensuring better patient safety and compliance with Medicaid reimbursement requirements.