§1973. Definitions

            As used in this Chapter:

            (1) "Disability" is defined in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., and its related amendments and implementing regulations. The term "disability" includes a handicap as defined by the federal Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq., as amended, and 24 CFR 100.201.

            (2) "Healthcare provider" has the same definition as set forth in R.S. 40:1231.1.

            (3) "Healthcare services" has the same definition as set forth in R.S. 22:1020.1.

            (4) "Public accommodation" or "place of public accommodation" has the same meaning as set forth in R.S. 51:2232.

            (5) "Service dog" has the same definition as set forth in R.S. 46:1952.

            (6) "Support animal" means an animal, other than a service dog as defined in R.S. 46:1952, that does work, performs tasks, or provides assistance or therapeutic emotional support for individuals with disabilities.

            (7) "Therapeutic relationship" means the provision of healthcare services by a healthcare provider in good faith and with actual knowledge of an individual's disability and that individual's disability-related need for a support animal. The term "therapeutic relationship" does not include services provided by an individual or entity that issues a certificate, license, letter, or similar document that purports to confirm, without conducting a meaningful assessment of an individual's disability or an individual's disability-related need for a support animal, that a person has either a disability or a disability-related need for a support animal.

            Acts 2024, No. 558, §1.