Requires submission for approval by the Senate Committee on Finance of any cooperative endeavor arrangements between the LSU Board of Supervisors and a private entity involving the change in management of a public hospital.
Impact
The resolution mandates that any such transfer of management to a private entity necessitates prior approval from the Senate Committee on Finance. This requirement intends to ensure that the interests of the public, especially vulnerable populations relying on state hospitals, are preserved. If passed, SR28 will tighten the regulatory framework governing the operational changes within state hospitals, which historically serve the indigent and uninsured citizens of Louisiana.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 28 aims to establish oversight of any cooperative endeavor agreements concerning the management and operation of state-owned hospitals by requiring submission for approval by the Senate Committee on Finance. This resolution is a response to the Louisiana Board of Supervisors' intention to enter into public-private partnerships where management responsibilities of state hospitals are transferred to private entities. The resolution emphasizes the importance of legislative scrutiny in safeguarding the impact these agreements have on public healthcare services.
Sentiment
Sentiments surrounding SR28 represent a significant concern for public health advocates and legislators. Supporters of the resolution contend that it is a necessary measure to maintain accountability regarding the management of publicly owned healthcare facilities. Conversely, there are concerns that these public-private ventures may lead to the closure of hospitals and the loss of state employment, which could adversely affect healthcare access for underserved populations.
Contention
Notable points of contention revolve around the potential impact of these public-private partnerships on the operation of state hospitals. Critics express worry that transferring control to private entities could result in the termination of public hospital services and employment ramifications for state workers. Additionally, the legal interpretation of whether leasing a state hospital amounts to its closure has also raised eyebrows, as the resolution tries to clarify legislative oversight on such decisions.
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
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
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)
Requests DHH to protect LSU Health Sciences Center - Shreveport hospitals from consequences of privatization which are detrimental to public health and finance, and to adequately compensate other hospitals of north and central La. for any increased burden of providing care to the poor and uninsured resulting from privatization of public hospitals
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.
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.
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.