§403.5.  Gunshot wounds; mandatory reporting

A.  The purpose of this Section is to aid law enforcement in combating violent crime through the rapid identification and reporting of all gunshot wounds or injuries treated by any medical professionals, practitioners, or associated personnel.

B.  In every case of a gunshot wound or injury presented for treatment to a medical professional, practitioner, or associated person, that professional, practitioner, or associated person shall make an oral notification to either the sheriff of the parish in which the wounded person was presented for treatment, or the chief or superintendent of police in the municipality in which the wounded person was presented for treatment immediately after complying with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to the treatment of emergencies and before the wounded person is released from the hospital.  A written notation of this action shall be made on the emergency record.

C.  The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any wounds or injuries received from the firing of an air gun.

D.  Any report of a gunshot wound or injury required to be reported by this Section which does not result in criminal prosecution shall not become public record and shall be destroyed by the law enforcement agency receiving the information.

E.  Any person who fails to file a report under this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.  Any person who knowingly files a false report under this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

Acts 1997, No. 1309, §1.