§1081.9. Hemophilia; state treatment program; advisory committee

A. As used in this Section:

(1) "Department" shall mean the Louisiana Department of Health, or its successor.

(2) "Hemophilia" shall mean a bleeding tendency resulting from a genetically determined deficiency factor in the blood.

(3) "Hemophiliac" shall mean a person suffering from hemophilia.

(4) "Secretary" shall mean the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, or his designated representative.

B. The Louisiana Department of Health shall establish a program for the care and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia. This program shall assist persons who require continuing treatment with blood and blood derivatives to avoid crippling, extensive hospitalization and other effects associated with the critical, chronic bleeding condition called hemophilia, but who are unable to pay for the entire cost of such services on a continuing basis despite the existence of various types of hospital coverages, Medicare, Medicaid, other government assistance programs, and private charitable assistance programs.

C. The department shall:

(1) Develop standards for determining eligibility for care and treatment under this program.

(2) Extend financial assistance to hemophiliacs in obtaining blood and blood derivatives and concentrates, and other efficacious agents for use in hospitals, medical and dental facilities, and at home, or participate in the cost of blood processing to the extent that such support will facilitate the supplying of blood, blood derivatives and concentrates, and other efficacious agents to hemophiliac patients at an economical cost, thus increasing the effectiveness of the monies appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Section.

(3) Institute and maintain educational programs among physicians, dentists, hospitals, public health departments, schools, and the public concerning hemophilia, including dissemination of information and the conducting of educational programs concerning the methods of care and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia.

(4) Promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Section.

D. Funds shall be made available under this program without regard to race or age.

Added by Acts 1977, No. 292, §1, eff. July 13, 1977; Redesignated from R.S. 40:1299.5 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S; Acts 2018, No. 206, §4.