A new bill pending in the Louisiana legislature would require the state to pay the legal bills incurred by Dr. Anna Pou, a physician accused of illegally euthanizing patients at New Orleans-based Memorial hospital, in the days after Hurricane Katrina.

Pou had been accused by now-former Attorney General Charles Foti. She fought the allegations, which were highly controversial, and never ended up being indicted.

Now, a bill filed by Rep. Patrick Connick would pay almost $145,000 to Pou's legal defense fund, a number recommended by the state's Attorney Fee Review Board. The state could act anytime after the legislative session begins on April 27.

To learn more about the bill:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece [1] (reg. req.)

Related Articles:
LA bill offers legal protections for MD care during emergencies [2]
Jury refuses to indict New Orleans physician [3]
Louisiana doctor targeted by state files lawsuit against AG [4]
Tenet cleared of wrongdoing during Katrina [5]