Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SCR67

Introduced
6/7/11  
Passed
6/7/11  

Caption

Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study possible methods which would increase the provision of graduate medical education in central Louisiana by designating certain hospitals which enter into public/private partnerships with Huey P. Long Medical Center as major teaching hospitals for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement.

Impact

If implemented, SCR67 could significantly alter the landscape of graduate medical education and healthcare delivery in central Louisiana. By encouraging partnerships that expand the capacity of local hospitals to act as teaching institutions, the resolution aims to cultivate a new generation of healthcare providers in an area where access to medical care is often limited. This initiative seeks not only to address current shortages but also to build a framework for sustained medical education and training, hopefully leading to increased healthcare services across the region.

Summary

SCR67 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced by Senator McPherson, which urges the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to explore methods for increasing the provision of graduate medical education in central Louisiana. The resolution highlights the ongoing issue of health professional shortages in the region and suggests that designating certain hospitals as major teaching hospitals could improve the availability of primary and specialty care. Such designations would facilitate public/private partnerships with Huey P. Long Medical Center and potentially enhance the number of graduate medical education slots available in these facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR67 has been generally positive among legislators, especially those concerned with healthcare access in underserved areas. The resolution received unanimous support in a Senate vote, signaling a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of enhancing graduate medical education in Louisiana. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the logistical and financial implications of such public/private partnerships, although these issues were not explicitly outlined in the discussions surrounding the bill.

Contention

While SCR67 doesn't seem to have significant opposition, it reflects broader concerns regarding healthcare accessibility and education in rural areas. The resolution's effectiveness will hinge on the Department of Health and Hospitals’ ability to successfully engage local hospitals in meaningful partnerships. Moreover, the emphasis on Medicaid reimbursement implicates funding security, which might lead to contention in future discussions about the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.