ENROLLED
Page 1 of 2
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 109
BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED WILLIAMS
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To authorize and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility,
desirability, and practicality of a mode of transportation other than an ambulance to
transport a patient in a nonemergency situation.
WHEREAS, an ambulance can be used to transport a patient to the site of medically
necessary health care in both emergency and nonemergency situations; and
WHEREAS, a mode of transportation other than an ambulance may provide a safe,
reliable, and cost-effective transportation option for patients who are not in a life-threatening
situation or in need of immediate medical attention; and
WHEREAS, a mode of transportation other than an ambulance may be a feasible
option for a patient who needs no medical equipment; and
WHEREAS, a mode of transportation other than an ambulance may also be feasible
for a patient who needs no medical monitoring or medical observation as confirmed by a
physician; and
WHEREAS, a mode of transportation other than an ambulance may be more practical
for a patient who needs routine nonemergent transportation to or from a medical
appointment; and
WHEREAS, an alternative mode of transportation that is properly equipped and
staffed may also be a viable choice for a patient who is convalescent or otherwise bed
confined and does not require aid, care, observation, or treatment during transport; and
WHEREAS, there may be a more cost-effective mode of transportation than an
ambulance for certain nonemergency medical situations; and
WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon the Department of Health and Hospitals to oversee,
regulate, and protect the health and welfare of the people of Louisiana; and ENROLLEDHCR NO. 109
Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, it should be a fundamental policy goal of the Department of Health and
Hospitals to research the feasibility of the transport of nonemergent stretcher-bound patients
in a licensed, regulated, and properly equipped and staffed vehicle other than an ambulance
in a manner which does not compromise patient care or outcome; and
WHEREAS, the availability and costs of medical transportation services and the
needs of the people utilizing such services are of vital concern to the legislature.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
authorize and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility,
desirability, and practicality of a mode of transportation other than an ambulance in a
nonemergency situation if the patient needs no medical equipment, needs no medical
monitoring or medical observation as confirmed in writing by a physician, and needs routine
nonemergent transportation to or from a medical appointment and the patient is convalescent
or otherwise bed confined and does not require aid, care, observation, or treatment during
transport.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department shall submit a written report of
its findings and conclusions, including any recommendations for legislation relative to the
issue, to the legislature not later than sixty days prior to the beginning of the 2015 Regular
Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE