Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to submit a report to the legislature that addresses the issue of raising Louisiana's health ranking as determined by the United Health Foundation's "America's Health Rankings".
Impact
The bill reflects a significant step toward focusing legislative attention on public health issues that notably impact Louisiana. The resolution acknowledges the state's continued low ranking in health, having been consistently near the bottom since 1990. It calls for measurable improvements in critical areas such as smoking rates, obesity, infant mortality, and preventable hospitalizations, all of which negatively affect the health outcomes of Louisianans and could influence overall state policies regarding health promotion and disease prevention.
Summary
SCR111 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced by Senator Heitmeier that directs the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to collaborate with relevant state entities and healthcare stakeholders. The objective is to prepare a report demonstrating strategies to improve Louisiana's health ranking as per the United Health Foundation's America's Health Rankings. The resolution aims to elevate the state's position to the thirty-fifth rank within the next ten years, recognizing the importance of citizen health as a fundamental concern.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR111 appears to be largely supportive, with an understanding of the need for systemic change in Louisiana's public health landscape. The bill received overwhelming approval, reflecting a consensus that there is a pressing need to enhance health services and outcomes for residents. The positive reception suggests a collective acknowledgment of the urgency surrounding the health challenges faced by the state.
Contention
While SCR111 garnered broad bipartisan support, potential contention might arise regarding the implementation of the suggested strategies and the adequacy of resources allocated by the Department of Health and Hospitals. Critics might argue that past efforts have not yielded significant improvements, raising concerns over whether this new directive will result in meaningful change or merely add to the existing reports and plans without substantial action behind them. The challenges of addressing complex health determinants, such as economic disparities and education levels, could also foster debate concerning the resolution's effectiveness.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to submit a report to the Legislature of Louisiana that addresses how the department and its contractors combat Medicaid fraud and abuse.
Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to submit a report on the status of the implementation of the plan mandated by Act 299 of the 2011 Regular Session of the Legislature.
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.
Urges and requests the Healthcare-Acquired Infections Advisory Group to identify the most significant healthcare-acquired infections, provide strategies for the reduction of health care-acquired infections, and determine a cost-effective method for health care providers to report these infections so that the public may access this data
Provides for certain "transparency" reporting to the legislature by the Department of Health and Hospitals concerning the Louisiana Medicaid Bayou Health program and the Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership and Coordinated System of Care programs. (8/1/12)
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.
Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to evaluate and report on the number of Bayou Health plans that are necessary and appropriate before releasing another RFP to procure such plans.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to submit a report by October 1, 2016, and to add Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) to the newborn screening panel no later than August 1, 2017.