Louisiana Senate Bill SCR40

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/11
• Refer: 5/23/11
• Report Pass: 5/25/11
• Passed: 5/26/11
• Engrossed: 5/26/11
• Refer: 5/31/11
• Report Pass: 6/8/11

Caption

Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance to work in collaboration through the Emergency Medical Services Professional Working Group to meet certain goals and to report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare by February 1, 2012.

Impact

SCR40 aims to facilitate a robust emergency medical services system by calling for the incorporation of federally mandated changes into Louisiana law, which must be done before January 1, 2014. The formation of the working group reflects a commitment to improving emergency services through a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders, including emergency medical professionals, governmental agencies, and organizations like the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance. This initiative is expected to yield recommendations that could lead to legislative changes necessary for the evolution of the EMS framework in the state.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40 (SCR40) urges the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance to work collaboratively through the newly formed Emergency Medical Services Professional Working Group. The goal of this group is to address critical issues in the state’s emergency medical services (EMS) system and report their progress to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare by February 1, 2012. This resolution emphasizes the importance of strong emergency services in Louisiana and the need for updated and clear regulations governing the profession.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR40 appears to be supportive, highlighting a proactive approach towards addressing challenges in emergency medical services. Stakeholders involved recognize the need for modernized regulatory structures and collaborative efforts to enhance service delivery in emergency preparedness and response. There is a sense of urgency in the discussions regarding the EMS system as the changing landscape of emergency services necessitates quick and effective adaptations to existing laws and structures.

Contention

While the resolution is generally well-received, notable points of contention may arise concerning the specifics of regulatory changes proposed by the Emergency Medical Services Professional Working Group. Key issues could involve the potential restructuring of licensure and certification processes for emergency medical personnel, including whether these functions should remain with the Department of Health and Hospitals or be delegated to an independent board. Such changes could stir debate among EMS professionals and other stakeholders regarding the effectiveness and appropriateness of proposed adjustments.