Louisiana Senate Bill SCR98

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/13
• Refer: 5/20/13
• Report Pass: 5/22/13
• Passed: 5/23/13
• Engrossed: 5/28/13
• Refer: 5/28/13
• Report Pass: 5/29/13

Caption

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.