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 resolution signals a proactive approach to addressing systemic issues within Louisiana's healthcare landscape, especially as federal reforms are anticipated to substantially reduce the number of uninsured residents in the state. Additionally, with the expected influx of newly insured patients under these reforms, there are concerns regarding an exacerbation of the existing physician shortage and whether the current medical education system can effectively train sufficient medical professionals to meet future demands. The call to assess both hospital infrastructure in relation to the new academic medical center and the efficiency of medical schools underscores a focus on strategic healthcare planning.
Summary
HCR116 is a concurrent resolution urging the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the LSU Board of Supervisors to conduct a comprehensive study of the state’s healthcare delivery and medical education systems. The focus of this study is to evaluate whether the existing infrastructure within the LSU hospital system, particularly in New Orleans and Shreveport, is equipped to meet current and future healthcare demands following the implementation of federal health reforms. A key component of this resolution is the scrutiny of the monetary feasibility of sustaining Louisiana's public hospital network in light of potential changes brought about by federal legislation.
Sentiment
The overarching sentiment regarding HCR116 is one of cautious optimism. Legislators acknowledge the pressing need to adapt healthcare delivery systems to changing demographics and federal mandates. Supporters of the resolution believe it represents a crucial step in ensuring the state's healthcare responsiveness, while apprehensions remain about the potential costs associated with new infrastructure developments, such as the academic medical center. The resolution has sparked discussions about balancing the needs of urban areas versus rural populations, especially regarding access to care and resource allocation.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding HCR116 is related to the feasibility of supporting another large hospital within the New Orleans area versus seeking alternative partnerships with non-state health facilities for providing care to the indigent population. There are differing opinions on how best to allocate resources amidst the state’s evolving healthcare demands, suggesting potential implications for future healthcare policy and funding strategies in Louisiana.
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
Urges and requests the Department of Health and Hospitals, in conjunction with the Board of Regents, to study the effectiveness of current licensure and certification functions for the profession of midwifery
Requests the LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport and the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the healthcare needs of the Northeast Louisiana Delta region and to make recommendations to the legislature which would increase the provision of healthcare in that area of the state.
Requests the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to study the governance, efficiencies, and service delivery of the Louisiana State University Health Care Services Division and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.
Requests a study to establish baseline data on access to health care in Louisiana and make recommendations concerning health system reforms that emphasize prevention and wellness
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to study and determine the desirability and feasibility of implementing the health home option in the medical assistance program
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to create a task force to study, identify, and make recommendations to address the specialist physician shortage in the state