This section makes it an offense to intentionally communicate false emergency information that a violent crime is happening or imminent, or that a life-threatening danger exists or is about to exist, when that communication causes fear, evacuation, or serious disruption at a healthcare facility.
§40.9. Unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility A. Unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility is the intentional communication of information that the commission of a crime of violence is imminent or in progress, or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, when committed under any one or more of the following circumstances: (1) When the offender's actions cause emergency room personnel, emergency services personnel, or healthcare professionals at a healthcare facility to be in sustained fear for their safety and a reasonable person would have known that his actions could cause sustained fear. (2) When the offender's actions cause the evacuation of a healthcare facility and a reasonable person would have known that his actions could cause an evacuation. (3) When the offender's actions cause any other serious disruption to the operation of a healthcare facility and a reasonable person would have known that such actions could cause serious disruption to the operation of a healthcare facility. B. For purposes of this Section: (1) "Emergency room personnel" shall have the same definitions as in R.S. 14:34.8. (2) "Emergency services personnel" shall have the same definitions as in R.S. 14:34.8. (3) "Healthcare facility" means any hospital, outpatient clinic, ambulatory surgical center, veterinary clinic, or other setting where healthcare services are provided. (4) "Healthcare professional" shall have the same definitions as in R.S. 14:34.8. C. Whoever commits the offense of unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one year nor more than five years, or both. Acts 2022, No. 129, §1; Acts 2025, No. 25, §1.