Louisiana § RS 40:1155.1 - Legislative purpose, findings, and intent
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1155.1 — Legislative purpose, findings, and intent, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 40:1155.1. Legislative purpose, findings, and intent
A. The legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1) It is important for people to make health care decisions before a medical crisis presents itself.
(2) Health care planning is a process, rather than a single decision, that helps individuals to consider the kind of care they would want if they become seriously ill or incapacitated, and encourages them to talk to their family members or legal representative about such issues.
(3) The Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of Treatment "LaPOST" form documents the wishes of a qualified patient in a physician order.
(4) The hallmarks of the LaPOST form are the following:
(a) Immediately actionable, signed physician orders on a standardized form.
(b) Orders that address a range of life-sustaining interventions as well as the patient's preferred treatment for each intervention.
(c) A brightly colored, clearly identifiable form.
(d) A form that is recognized, adopted, and honored across treatment settings.
B.(1) The legislature intends that the provisions of this Subpart are permissive and voluntary. The legislature further intends that the completion of the Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of Treatment form merely illustrates a means of documenting a decision of a patient relative to withholding or withdrawal of medical treatment or life-sustaining procedures.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature that nothing in this Subpart shall be construed to require the completion of a Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of Treatment form pursuant to this Subpart.
(3) It is the intent of the legislature that nothing in this Subpart shall be construed to be the exclusive means by which life-sustaining procedures may be withheld or withdrawn, nor shall this Subpart be construed to require the application of medically inappropriate treatment or life-sustaining procedures to any patient.
Acts 2010, No. 954, §1; Redesignated from R.S. 40:1299.64.1 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 40:1155.1
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1155.1 cover?
Section RS 40:1155.1 ("Legislative purpose, findings, and intent") 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 40:1155.1?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1155.1" (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 40:1155.1 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.