The bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding prenatal care by establishing new requirements for testing pregnant women for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. It mandates that primary healthcare providers offer HIV and syphilis blood tests during a woman's initial prenatal visit in the first trimester and again in the third trimester. Additionally, it requires that any healthcare provider attending a woman during labor and delivery also provide these tests, with the pregnant woman being informed that testing will occur unless she declines. The bill also stipulates that testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea should be conducted at the first prenatal visit, with follow-up testing in the third trimester if necessary.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that requires licensed healthcare providers to screen pregnant women for substance use disorder during the first trimester or at the first examination after confirming pregnancy, using a validated verbal screening tool. If a provider determines that a woman is at risk for substance use disorder, they must refer her for appropriate treatment. The legislation ensures that all testing required under these provisions is considered a medically necessary covered service by health insurance issuers and managed care organizations, prohibiting prior authorization or utilization management requirements for payment.

Statutes affected:
SB174 Original:
SB174 Engrossed:
SB174 Reengrossed:
SB174 Enrolled:
SB174 Act 437: