§31.62. Definitions
As used in this Part, the following definitions shall apply unless the content clearly
states otherwise:
(1) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Health.
(2) "Office" means the office of public health within the Louisiana Department of
Health.
(3) "Parkinson's disease" means a chronic and progressive neurologic disorder
resulting from deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine as the consequence of
degenerative, vascular, or inflammatory changes in the area of the brain called the basal
ganglia. It is characterized by tremor at rest, slow movements, rigidity of movement, droopy
posture, muscle weakness, and unsteady or shuffling gait.
(4) "Regional Parkinson's disease incidence reporting areas" means those
demographic regions of the state designated by the department that are responsible for
collecting and collating Parkinson's disease incidence data. The department may contract
with an agency, including but not limited to a health systems agency, a parish health
department, multiparish health department grouping, or nonprofit professional association
representing a designated disease-reporting region for the purposes of carrying out the
responsibilities of the disease-reporting region.
(5) "Regional Parkinson's Disease Registry" means those regions of the state as
designated by the department responsible for providing, on a timely basis, Parkinson's
disease incidence data as determined by the department to the department.
Acts 2005, No. 210, §1.