HLS 12RS-1420 ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 2
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 138
BY REPRESENTATIVE SIMON
HEALTH CARE: Requests the study of the feasibility of establishing a database for chronic
disease in La.
A RESOLUTION1
To urge and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility of2
establishing a chronic disease database in Louisiana.3
WHEREAS, chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are4
among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems.5
WHEREAS, chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death and6
hospitalizations in the state; and7
WHEREAS, these conditions shorten lives, reduce quality of life, and create8
considerable burden for caregivers; and9
WHEREAS, a cornerstone of the plan developed by the Study Group on Chronic10
Care Management in the Community which was created by House Resolution No. 125 of11
the 2011 Regular Session of the Legislature is the creation of a statewide database for12
chronic disease; and 13
WHEREAS, the database is envisioned to be a catalogue of existing state indicators,14
including risk factors and trends, relevant to chronic disease; and15
WHEREAS, health care providers in the state would have access to the statewide16
database to examine the health of Louisiana residents, allowing them to more appropriately17
target key areas for additional research, intervention, and care; and18
WHEREAS, the database would provide a more direct determination of the19
distribution pattern of chronic disease throughout Louisiana which would steer research20
toward better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases; and21 HLS 12RS-1420 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 138
Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, the statutory purpose of the Department of Health and Hospitals is the1
development and provision of health and medical services for the prevention of disease for2
the citizens of Louisiana; and3
WHEREAS, the department's philosophy on chronic disease prevention is the4
improvement of the health of Louisiana by preventing chronic diseases and their risk factors5
through promoting healthy behaviors, utilizing evidence-based interventions, and leveraging6
resources through collaborative private/public partnerships to maximize health outcomes7
among our citizens; and8
WHEREAS, a primary objective in the development and provision of health and9
medical services is improving health outcomes; and 10
WHEREAS, a statewide database that collects, stores, and displays information on11
chronic diseases and their risk factors would aid in the research, development, and12
implementation of strategies that reduce the health and economic consequences caused by13
chronic diseases in the state.14
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives does hereby15
urge and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility of16
establishing a database for chronic disease in Louisiana, building on the guidance provided17
by the Study Group on Chronic Care Management in the Community in its February 201218
plan submitted to the Louisiana House of Representatives. 19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health and Hospitals shall20
make a written report of its findings to the House of Representatives on or before February21
1, 2013.22
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the23
secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.24
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Simon HR No. 138
Urges and requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to study the feasibility of
establishing a chronic disease database in La. Requires DHH make a written report of its
findings to the House of Representatives on or before Feb. 1, 2013.