House Bill No. [insert number] aims to enhance the response to human trafficking victims within Louisiana's healthcare system by establishing the Human Trafficking in Emergency Departments Task Force. This task force is tasked with drafting a uniform protocol that includes identifying signs of human trafficking and appropriate responses for emergency department personnel. The bill amends R.S. 40:1216.1(E)(2) to require that each district's annual response plan incorporates this new protocol alongside existing sexual assault response team protocols.

Additionally, the bill enacts R.S. 46:2168.1, which outlines the composition and responsibilities of the task force, including members from various health and welfare committees, human trafficking prevention offices, and nursing associations. The task force will also assess hospital emergency departments' awareness of human trafficking indicators and implement a discreet signaling process for victims seeking help. The provisions of this section are set to terminate on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
HB359 Original: 28:53(A)
HB359 Enrolled: 40:1(E)(2)