La. R.S. § 32:664 Persons Authorized to Administer Test

• Library: Louisiana Statutes
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current with changes from the 2023 Legislative Session
• Year: 2023
• Citation: La. R.S. § 32:664

A. When a person submits to a blood test at the request of a law enforcement officer under the provisions of this Part, only a physician, physician assistant, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, emergency medical technician, chemist, nurse practitioner, or other qualified technician may withdraw blood for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content or presence of any abused or illegal controlled dangerous substances therein. No law enforcement officer who is not otherwise qualified as a physician, physician assistant, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, emergency medical technician, chemist, nurse practitioner, or other qualified technician may withdraw blood for the purpose of determining, or of having determined, the alcoholic content or presence of any abused or illegal controlled dangerous substances therein. This limitation shall not apply to the taking of breath specimens. Only procedures approved and promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections may be used in the analysis of blood, urine, breath, or other bodily substance.

B. After submitting to the chemical test, the person tested may have a physician, physician assistant, chemist, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, emergency medical technician, nurse practitioner, or other qualified technician of his own choosing administer a chemical test or tests in addition to any administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer. The cost of any such additional test shall be at the expense of the tested person. After being advised of this right as provided in R.S. 32:661(C), he shall be given the opportunity to telephone and request a qualified person to administer such test. The failure or inability of the person to obtain an additional test shall not preclude the admission of evidence relating to the test or tests taken at the direction of a law enforcement officer, unless the person was denied rights guaranteed to him by law.