Expresses support of and provides authority for actions by the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College for the strategic collaboration with the division of administration and the Department of Health and Hospitals in planning for a new model of health care delivery throughout the Lake Charles region.
Impact
The resolution formally endorses a cooperative endeavor agreement which seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of federal budget cuts by transitioning inpatient and emergency room services from the W.O. Moss Medical Center to a partnership with Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. This legislative endorsement is crucial, as it allows for the important adaptation of healthcare services to ensure continued availability in the Lake Charles region. Notably, the construction of a new medical facility, which will function as an outpatient clinic adjacent to the current Moss Medical Center, is a key part of this strategy, reflecting a shift in service delivery modes in response to changing funding and care demands.
Summary
SCR98 expresses support for and authorizes actions by the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (LSU) in collaboration with the state’s Division of Administration and the Department of Health and Hospitals. This resolution is primarily aimed at addressing the healthcare service delivery in the Lake Charles area, particularly in response to severe federal funding cuts to the Louisiana Medicaid program, which resulted in significant financial losses for state healthcare systems. The bill aims to legitimize the transition to new healthcare delivery models that include partnerships with private healthcare entities.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR98 is generally supportive among legislators, given its intent to safeguard healthcare services amidst significant financial challenges. However, some concerns may arise related to the implications of closing inpatient and emergency services at the W.O. Moss Medical Center. Proponents highlight the necessity of this resolution to sustain healthcare access in the region, while critics may raise issues about the adequacy of alternative services and the impact on patient care access and quality.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the closure of the inpatient and emergency room services at W.O. Moss Medical Center, which has historically served as a vital healthcare resource for the local community. The resolution and subsequent actions taken through the cooperative endeavor agreement require careful oversight to ensure that the transition does not detrimentally affect the availability of crucial care services. While the intent is to maintain healthcare access through alternative arrangements, concerns remain over the long-term implications for patient care and service responsiveness in the Lake Charles area.
Provides for legislative approval of and support to the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University for the strategic collaboration with the state in creating a new model of health care delivery in the Alexandria and Pineville area.
Requests the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to study the governance, efficiencies, and service delivery of the Louisiana State University Health Care Services Division and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.
Requires submission for approval by the House Committee on Appropriations of any cooperative endeavor agreement between the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors and a private entity involving the change in management of a public hospital
Provides for funding of state hospitals operated by the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. (8/1/15)
Urges and requests the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College to provide a written, detailed overview and time line for the closure of the Earl K. Long Medical Center
Transfers governance and control of state hospitals from LSU to human services districts and authorities of the state and provides for delivery and financing of health services by such districts and authorities (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
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
Requires submission for approval by the House Committee on Appropriations of any cooperative endeavor agreements between the LSU Board of Supervisors and a private entity involving the change in management of a public hospital
Urges and requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals and LSU Board of Supervisors to conduct a study assessing the current and future delivery of health care and medical education in La. and to make recommendations
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.