§1103.5. Information and access to breast reconstructive surgery

Every hospital licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health pursuant to R.S. 40:2100 et seq., and every Louisiana physician who provides mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection, or a lumpectomy shall provide information to the patient concerning the option of reconstructive surgery following such procedures, including the availability of coverage for reconstructive surgery, in accordance with the state insurance law and applicable provisions of federal law. The information shall be provided to the patient in writing and in advance of obtaining consent to the surgical procedure. At a minimum, the information provided shall include the following:

(1) A description of the various reconstructive options and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

(2) A description of the provisions assuring coverage by public and private insurance plans of the costs related to reconstructive surgery under federal and state law.

(3) A description of how a patient may access reconstructive care, including the potential of transferring care to a facility that provides reconstructive care or choosing to pursue reconstruction after completion of breast cancer surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy, if warranted.

(4) Other information as may be required by the secretary of health, consistent with information developed by the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Cancer and Lung Trust Fund Board and circulated to providers and patients by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

Acts 2018, No. 580, §1, eff. May 31, 2018.