Louisiana House Bill HR153

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/11
• Passed: 6/23/11

Caption

Authorizes and requests the Department of Health and Hospitals not to include certain certified public expenditures in the funds generated for FY 2010-2011

Impact

The approval of HR153 could significantly affect how funds are allocated to public hospitals across the state. By providing the Department of Health and Hospitals the authority to adjust fiscal calculations, the resolution seeks to enhance financial support for public hospitals that may be facing increased costs associated with uncompensated care. If implemented effectively, this move could lead to more stable funding and potentially better healthcare services for residents, particularly in urban areas where non-state, non-rural hospitals are more prevalent.

Summary

House Resolution 153 (HR153) is a legislative action that specifically authorizes the Department of Health and Hospitals to exclude certain certified public expenditures from the revenue calculations for Fiscal Year 2010-2011. This resolution stems from previous acts that mandated various public hospitals to certify matching funds for their Medicaid claims and report any certified public expenditures exceeding appropriation limits. HR153 aims to maximize upper payment limit payments for non-state, non-rural public hospitals during the specified period by excluding these expenditures from the revenue calculations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR153 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters who believe that it will provide necessary financial relief to public hospitals struggling with the costs of uncompensated care. However, there may also be concerns among opponents regarding the implications of adjusting revenue figures and whether this could lead to long-term financial sustainability issues for the Department of Health and Hospitals if not managed properly.

Contention

Some notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring that public hospitals receive adequate funding versus the potential risks of altering reported revenues. Additionally, stakeholders might debate the fairness of the funding structure, particularly in light of the previous acts that set out funding requirements. The resolution may spark discussions about how state financial strategies can evolve to meet the needs of hospitals without compromising fiscal accountability.