LAC 46:XLVII.3603. Definitions and Construction

A. Definitions. For the purpose of this Chapter, the following terms are defined as follows. Board―Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Financial Interest―a significant ownership or investment interest established through debt, equity or other means and held, directly or indirectly, by a registered nurse or a member of a registered nurse's immediate family, or any form of direct or indirect remuneration for referral. Health Care Item―any substance, product, device, equipment, supplies or other tangible good or article which is or may be used or useful in the provision of health care. Health Care Provider―any person, partnership, corporation or any other organization licensed by the state to provide preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic health care services or items. Health Care Services―any act or treatment performed or furnished by a health care provider to or on behalf of a patient. Immediate Family―as respects a registered nurse, the registered nurse's spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and siblings. Payment―transfer or provision of money, goods, services, or anything of economic value, including gifts, gratuities, favors, entertainment or loans. Person―includes a natural person or a partnership, corporation, organization, association, facility, institution, or any governmental subdivision, department, board, commission, or other entity. Referral―the act of ordering, directing, recommending or suggesting as given by a health care provider to a patient, directly or indirectly, which is likely to determine, control or influence the patient's choice of another health care provider for the provision of health care services or items. Registered Nurse―an individual licensed as a registered nurse in Louisiana, or an individual licensed as a registered nurse in another state and holding a 90-day permit to practice nursing in Louisiana in accordance with R.S. 37:920. Registered Nurse Applicant―a graduate of an approved school of nursing who has been issued a temporary working permit, as provided for in R.S. 37:920.C. B. Construction. As used hereinafter in this Chapter, the term registered nurse is deemed to likewise incorporate registered nurse applicants as defined herein.