§ 40:1271.2 — Mandatory identification of infected corpses

Louisiana § 40:1271.2

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 40: Public Health and Safety

Text

§1271.2. Mandatory identification of infected corpses
A. Each hospital, nursing home, and coroner which requests a funeral director or
embalmer to transport a corpse shall notify any such funeral director, embalmer, or a
representative thereof whenever there is actual knowledge that the corpse is infected with a
contagious disease. The hospital, nursing home, or coroner shall inform the funeral director,
embalmer, or representative thereof that the corpse is infected with a contagious disease
during the initial telephone communication requesting that the corpse be transported. Further
notification shall include a clearly visible, external tag that is readily discernible from other
identification markers and a written statement that clearly indicates the name of the
contagious disease or causative agent infecting or infesting said corpse. Such notification
shall be made in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the deceased and the funeral
director or embalmer handling the corpse.
B. The Louisiana Department of Health through the office of public health shall
promulgate rules and regulations to provide for the disposition by hospitals, nursing homes,
coroners, and other medical personnel of corpses infected with known contagious diseases
and to implement the provisions of this Section. Such regulations shall include, at a
minimum, a requirement that each hospital, nursing home, and coroner's office establish staff
procedures for implementing this law.
C. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than five
thousand dollars. Violation of the provisions of this Section shall constitute grounds for
suspension or revocation of the professional license or certificate of the violator or for other
disciplinary action by the respective professional regulatory board.

Legislative History

Acts 1988, No. 668, §1; Redesignated from R.S. 40:1099.1 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.