House Bill No. [insert number] introduced by Representative Owen aims to establish the "Right to Refuse Emergency Use Authorization Drugs Act" in Louisiana. This legislation enacts a new subpart within the Louisiana Revised Statutes that outlines the rights of individuals regarding medical treatments that have only received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill mandates that healthcare providers must inform patients both verbally and in writing about their right to refuse such treatments, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with the covered drugs or vaccines. It also requires healthcare providers to document the patient's decision to refuse treatment in their medical records.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that individuals cannot face discrimination or negative consequences for refusing a covered drug or vaccine. Healthcare providers are prohibited from coercing patients into accepting treatments and must obtain acknowledgment from patients that they have received the required information about their rights. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disciplinary actions against the healthcare provider, including potential revocation of licensure or fines. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance patient autonomy and informed consent in the context of emergency use medical products.