§1121.24. Use of controlled dangerous substances while pregnant; multidisciplinary team

A. A district attorney in a parish with a population of not less than twenty-seven thousand and not more than thirty thousand, a parish with a population of not less than one hundred fifty thousand and not more than one hundred sixty thousand, and a parish with a population of not less than three hundred thousand and not more than four hundred thousand according to the most recent federal decennial census may convene a multidisciplinary team to assist in making a determination of the appropriate disposition of a case where a pregnant woman under arrest tests positive for controlled dangerous substances for which she does not have a valid, legal prescription, as provided for in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. Each member of the multidisciplinary team shall serve a term of two years.

B. The multidisciplinary team may include but is not limited to the following persons:

(1) A Louisiana board-certified physician trained in obstetrics and gynecology.

(2) A licensed nurse with experience in caring for drug- or alcohol-exposed newborn infants.

(3) A law enforcement officer employed by a local or state law enforcement agency.

(4) An employee of the Department of Children and Family Services with a background and experience with federal and state benefits, such as Medicaid.

(5) An individual associated with a nonprofit organization with a background and experience in charitable and faith-based resources for treatment of alcohol and drug abuse or addiction.

(6) A licensed social worker or counselor with training and experience in the treatment of drug or alcohol addiction.

C. As used in this Section, "appropriate disposition" may include but shall not be limited to filing a petition for involuntary commitment as provided for in R.S. 28:53 and 53.2 to a public facility or a private facility willing to accept the pregnant woman for treatment.

D. The authority provided by the provisions of this Section shall exist from the time of arrest to the time of dismissal, acquittal, or conviction.

Acts 2012, No. 579, §1; Redesignated from R.S. 40:1094 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.