Louisiana § RS 14:403.5 - Gunshot wounds; mandatory reporting
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:403.5 — Gunshot wounds; mandatory reporting, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 14:403.5. Gunshot wounds; mandatory reporting
A. The purpose of this Section is to aid law enforcement in combating violent crime through the rapid identification and reporting of all gunshot wounds or injuries treated by any medical professionals, practitioners, or associated personnel.
B. In every case of a gunshot wound or injury presented for treatment to a medical professional, practitioner, or associated person, that professional, practitioner, or associated person shall make an oral notification to either the sheriff of the parish in which the wounded person was presented for treatment, or the chief or superintendent of police in the municipality in which the wounded person was presented for treatment immediately after complying with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to the treatment of emergencies and before the wounded person is released from the hospital. A written notation of this action shall be made on the emergency record.
C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any wounds or injuries received from the firing of an air gun.
D. Any report of a gunshot wound or injury required to be reported by this Section which does not result in criminal prosecution shall not become public record and shall be destroyed by the law enforcement agency receiving the information.
E. Any person who fails to file a report under this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. Any person who knowingly files a false report under this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
Acts 1997, No. 1309, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 14:403.5
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:403.5 cover?
Section RS 14:403.5 ("Gunshot wounds; mandatory reporting") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 14:403.5?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:403.5" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 14:403.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.