Louisiana Senate Bill SCR2

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Passed: 3/13/12
• Engrossed: 3/13/12
• Refer: 3/14/12

Caption

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.

Impact

If adopted, SCR2 aims to enhance the oversight of Medicaid services in Louisiana by compelling a detailed report on the department's strategies against Medicaid fraud. It reflects a proactive approach to managing the funds allocated for healthcare services and ensuring that they are used effectively and appropriately. The resolution's goal is to improve transparency and accountability within the department, potentially impacting future funding and operational strategies related to Medicaid services.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2 (SCR2) was introduced by Senator Crowe, requesting the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to submit a comprehensive report to the legislature detailing the measures taken to combat Medicaid fraud and abuse. This resolution underscores the ongoing concerns about the vulnerabilities within the Medicaid program, which has been identified as high-risk by the United States Government Accountability Office due to potential fraud, waste, and improper payments. The request emphasizes the importance of fiscal oversight and accountability in Medicaid’s operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR2 appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators concerned about the integrity of Medicaid. The bill received unanimous support during the Senate vote, which indicates a collective agreement on the necessity of addressing issues related to Medicaid oversight. This broad support suggests that lawmakers acknowledge the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered without the threat of fraud and abuse.

Contention

While there does not seem to be significant contention surrounding SCR2 itself, underlying tensions may arise from differing views on how effectively Medicaid fraud can be combated. Concerns about the adequacy of the department's existing measures and potential bureaucratic challenges could surface as discussions around the report evolve. Additionally, as the report aims to provide insights into the department's operations, there may be scrutiny regarding the sufficiency of resources allocated to tackle Medicaid fraud effectively.