The Louisiana health department will be seeking legislation next year to stop billing sexual assault victims for exams and tests.
Monday's announcement from the Department of Health and Hospitals was in response to criticism from victims' advocacy groups and lawmakers.
The complaints came after Nola.com/The Times Picayune reported that women who have been raped were being billed for treatment.
Changes to state law will be proposed in the legislative session that begins in April.
Meantime, Governor Bobby Jindal issued an executive order last night to make changes before next year’s session.
The health department's plan will let hospitals directly seek reimbursement from the Crime Victim's Reparation Board.
Currently, the board can't accept bills from directly from the medical provider for treatment of rape and sexual assault victims.
Victims who don't file a police report have been deemed ineligible for reimbursement.