Louisiana House Bill HCR74

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/17/13
• Engrossed: 4/18/13
• Refer: 4/22/13

Caption

Requires submission for approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget of any cooperative endeavor agreements between the LSU Board of Supervisors and a private entity involving the change in management of a public hospital

Impact

The resolution seeks to ensure that any transitions to public-private partnerships involving state hospitals are subject to legislative scrutiny and approval. This is particularly significant due to the legislative restrictions against the closure of hospitals without prior approval. The bill recognizes the importance of legislative involvement in decisions that would impact healthcare access for vulnerable populations within the state and emphasizes the responsibility of the legislature to deliberate on such crucial matters closely associated with public health.

Summary

HCR74 is a House Concurrent Resolution that mandates the submission of any cooperative endeavor agreements between the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University (LSU) and private entities for the management and operations of public hospitals to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget for approval. This resolution highlights the legislature's role in overseeing significant changes in the operation of state-owned hospitals, which play a critical role in providing healthcare to Louisiana's most vulnerable populations, including the indigent and uninsured. The bill aims to enhance accountability and public oversight amidst shifts toward privatization in hospital management.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR74 appears supportive within the context of ensuring public accountability and protecting healthcare access, although it also reveals concerns about potential legislative overreach into the operational decisions of state institutions. Supporters argue that requiring legislative approval would prevent hasty decisions that might jeopardize essential services, while opponents may question whether such measures could stifle necessary operational flexibility that private entities might provide.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the balance between state oversight and operational efficiency. Critics of the bill may argue that extensive legislative approval processes could delay needed reforms or partnerships that might lead to improvements in hospital management. Advocates for the bill stress that, with its focus on maintaining public oversight, the resolution acts as a safeguard against privatization efforts that could lead to the effective closure of public hospitals without adequate checks on such decisions.