Louisiana Senate Bill SCR111

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/12
• Refer: 5/15/12
• Report Pass: 5/16/12
• Passed: 5/17/12
• Engrossed: 5/17/12
• Refer: 5/21/12
• Report Pass: 5/30/12

Caption

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.