A. All persons covered by the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. 40:1085.2 shall routinely apply or be reasonably certain that others have already applied any prophylactic which the department directs for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum, whether or not ophthalmia neonatorum is indicated, and to do so in the manner that the department directs. The provisions of this Section shall be inoperative in those instances where:

            (1) There are no indications of the existence of ophthalmia neonatorum; and

            (2) The mother states in writing that she objects to the application of such prophylactic on religious grounds.

            B. Liability arising from the lack of use of the approved prophylactic shall not attach to any person or institution who, on the written instruction of the mother, withholds the application of the approved prophylactic.

            Amended by Acts 1978, No. 786, §5, eff. July 17, 1978; Acts 1988, No. 839, §1; Redesignated from La. Rev. Stat. 40:1103 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.