LA HB790

Requires all correctional officers and chaplains in Louisiana to obtain and maintain CPR and AED certification from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or equivalent organization, with current employees having 180 days from January 1, 2027 to comply

Mandates correctional facilities maintain operational AEDs within 3-minute response time of any inmate location, including in every housing unit, medical area, recreational area, and visitation area, with monthly inspections required

Creates criminal penalties for staff who fail to render aid during medical emergencies resulting in serious injury or death ($5,000-$25,000 fine, 1-5 years imprisonment) or who interfere with emergency response ($1,000-$10,000 fine, up to 2 years imprisonment)

Requires facilities to notify immediate family members within 30 minutes of an inmate death or life-threatening medical emergency requiring hospitalization, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day for delayed notification

Establishes civil liability for correctional officers and facilities, waiving sovereign and qualified immunity for gross negligence, deliberate indifference, or willful misconduct, with prevailing plaintiffs eligible for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees