RS 40:1123.5: Prenatal screening for substance use disorder

A. Every licensed healthcare provider who provides prenatal care to a pregnant woman shall screen her for substance use disorder during the first trimester of pregnancy or at the time of first examination after confirming pregnancy, if the provider utilizing his professional medical judgment believes that the screening would be in the best interest of the patient and such screening has not already occurred. The healthcare provider providing such screening shall utilize a validated verbal screening tool for substance use disorder that aligns with standards of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The Louisiana Department of Health, office of public health, shall post a list of approved validated verbal screening tools on its website. For purposes of this Section, "licensed healthcare provider" means a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant.

B. After administering the screening provided for in Subsection A of this Section, a licensed healthcare provider who determines that a pregnant woman is at risk for substance use disorder shall refer the woman for appropriate treatment.