This bill amends existing law to enhance the response to human trafficking victims within emergency departments in Louisiana. It specifically modifies R.S. 40:1216.1(E)(2) to require that each district's annual response plan incorporates a uniform protocol for human trafficking, which will be established by a newly created Human Trafficking in Emergency Departments Task Force. This task force is tasked with drafting a protocol that includes identifying signs of human trafficking and appropriate responses, as well as assessing hospital emergency department staff's knowledge of these signs.

The bill also enacts R.S. 46:2168.1, which outlines the composition and responsibilities of the Human Trafficking in Emergency Departments Task Force. The task force will include various stakeholders, such as representatives from health and welfare committees, human trafficking prevention offices, and nursing boards, among others. Additionally, the task force's provisions will terminate on January 1, 2027. This legislative effort aims to improve the treatment and protection of human trafficking victims in emergency medical settings.

Statutes affected:
HB359 Original: 28:53(A)
HB359 Enrolled: 40:1(E)(2)
HB359 Act 267: 40:1(E)(2)