Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 37, § 1745. Prohibition on payment for patient referrals

(1) “Board” means the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, Louisiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners, Louisiana Physical Therapy Board, Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Louisiana State Board of Nursing, Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners, or Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

(2) “Healthcare provider” means a person, partnership, or corporation licensed by the state to provide health care or professional services as a physician, chiropractor, dentist, dental hygienist, podiatrist, optometrist, physical therapist, psychologist, medical psychologist, licensed professional counselor, registered or licensed practical nurse, pharmacist, and any officer, employee, or agent thereof acting in the course and scope of his employment.

C. (1) Each board shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of Subsection B of this Section in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Such rules and regulations shall include, at a minimum, sanctions and penalty provisions and permissible contracting activities known as “safe harbors”.

(2) Any activity permissible under the corresponding provisions of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act shall not be a violation of this Section.

(3) Violation of Subsection B of this Section by a healthcare provider may constitute grounds for suspension or revocation of license or other credentials by the appropriate board.