On September 2, 2005, Louisiana’s Governor, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, issued Executive Order No. KBB 2005-26. The order suspended all state licensure laws, rules and regulations for medical professionals and personnel from other states who offer medical services in Louisiana to those needing medical services as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

On September 12, 2005, Governor Blanco rescinded and terminated Executive Order No. KBB 2005-26, and issued Executive Order No. KBB 2005-33 which broadens the suspension to include not only out-of-state medical professionals and personnel, but also out-of-country medical professionals and personnel.

Executive Order No. KBB 2005-33 provides that Louisiana’s licensure laws, rules, and regulations for medical professionals and personnel are suspended for those personnel from other states or other countries offering medical services in Louisiana to those needing services as a result of Hurricane Katrina. In order to qualify for this suspension, out-of-state or out-of-country medical professionals and personnel must: (1) possess current state medical licenses in good standing in their respective state or country of licensure; (2) practice in good faith; and (3) practice within the reasonable scope of his or her skills, training or ability.

Any out-of-state or out-of-country medical professionals or personnel who wish to assist in relief efforts and treat patients in Louisiana pursuant to this Order must submit to the state health officer (or his designee) at the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, a copy of their respective licenses and photo identification. Medical professionals should contact the Public Health Office at 225-763-5762 or 225-763-5763.

All out-of-state medical professionals or personnel who render medical services pursuant to this Order shall be covered by Louisiana’s Medical Malpractice Act (Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:1299.30, et seq.) and shall be considered agents of the State of Louisiana for tort liability purposes.

Executive Order No. KBB 2005-33 applies retroactively to September 2, 2005, and the suspension of licensure requirements extends through Sunday, September 25, 2005.