Louisiana House Bill HCR241

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/10
• Engrossed: 6/10/10

Caption

Urges and requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals and LSU Board of Supervisors to conduct a study assessing the current and future delivery of health care and medical education in La. and to make recommendations

Impact

The bill highlights the need for an overview of the financial implications of federal health reform on Louisiana's healthcare system, specifically how it may impact Medicaid funding. There is a particular emphasis on understanding how an influx of newly insured patients will influence the dynamics of healthcare provision and what strategies may be necessary to adjust to these changes. The resolution also addresses the potential necessity of additional training for physicians to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.

Summary

HCR241 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the LSU Board of Supervisors to study the current structure and delivery of healthcare within the LSU hospital system. The resolution is particularly focused on assessing the adequacy of the hospital infrastructure in New Orleans and Shreveport to meet the needs of Louisiana's population, especially following the anticipated changes due to federal health reforms. It calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the projected healthcare delivery needs as well as the financial feasibility of sustaining Louisiana's public hospital system in the face of these reforms.

Sentiment

General sentiment regarding HCR241 appears to be one of caution and concern about the future of healthcare delivery in Louisiana. Supporters recognize the importance of proactive planning in the context of significant demographic and policy changes, while critics may emphasize the urgency of immediate solutions in the face of an impending physician shortage. The varied opinions suggest a shared commitment to improving healthcare access, albeit with different strategies in mind.

Contention

Notable points of contention include whether Louisiana's healthcare infrastructure can adequately support any new projects like the planned academic medical center in New Orleans and whether the focus should be on enhancing existing facilities or expanding them. The discussion surrounding the feasibility of establishing a medical school at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center also represents a significant debate within the broader theme of healthcare and medical education reform in Louisiana.