La. Stat. tit. 15 § 821
In order to merge and consolidate into one department under authority of Section 32 of Article III of the Constitution of Louisiana, the executive and administrative offices, boards and commissions whose duties are of a similar nature or character there is hereby created and established the Louisiana Department of Corrections. The Louisiana Board of Institutions and the Department of Institutions are hereby merged and consolidated into the Louisiana Department of Corrections, and the functions of said board and department shall be transferred to the Louisiana Department of Corrections, hereinafter referred to as "the department". The functions of the department shall comprise administrative functions of the state now or hereafter authorized by law to be exercised in relation to the administration, management and operation of all state institutions for the care, custody and correction of persons sentenced for felonies or misdemeanors.
La. R.S. § 15:821