A.  The provisions of La. Rev. Stat. 40:2009.13 through 2009.20, excluding La. Rev. Stat. 40:2009.18, shall apply to all licensed health care providers and all federally participating health care providers who operate in the state of Louisiana, provided the provisions of these Sections shall not prevent the institution of judicial action.  For purposes of said Sections, “licensed health care provider” or “health care provider” means an institution or distinct part of an institution, facility, or agency licensed by the department or certified for participation in either or both of the Medicaid or Medicare programs to provide health care services. “Health care providers” include but are in no way limited to hospitals, nursing facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, ambulatory surgical centers, providers of outpatient physical therapy and/or speech pathology services, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities, hospices, or suppliers of services, including but not limited to independent laboratories, suppliers of portable X-ray services, and end-stage renal disease treatment facilities.

B.  Any person who has knowledge that a state law, minimum standard, rule, regulation, plan of correction promulgated by the department, or any federal certification rule pertaining to a health care provider has been violated, or who otherwise has knowledge that a consumer has not been receiving care and treatment to which he is entitled under state or federal laws, may submit a report regarding such matter to the department.  The report may be submitted to the department in writing, by telephone, or by personal visit.

C.  The office designated by the secretary shall have responsibility to assure that all reports are referred to the Medicaid fraud control unit or processed in accordance with this Section and La. Rev. Stat. 40:2009.14 through 2009.20.

D.  If the report involves an alleged violation of criminal law, the department shall refer the reports to the Medicaid fraud control unit of the attorney general’s office.

E.  Any person, other than the person alleged to be responsible for the violation, who in good faith submits a report pursuant to this Section shall have immunity from any civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed because of such report.  Such immunity shall extend to participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from the complaint.

F.(1)  If the report involves an alleged violation by an individual of laws governing professional licensure as provided in Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to a professional practice act, the department shall refer the report to the appropriate professional licensing board.

(2)  If the ensuing investigation results in determination that an individual may have violated laws pertaining to the individual’s licensure as a health care professional, such investigation results shall be referred to the appropriate licensing board.

Added by Acts 1978, No. 687, §2, eff. July 12, 1978.  Acts 1983, No. 98, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1002, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1109, §1.