Louisiana Senate Bill SCR53

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/14
• Refer: 4/1/14
• Report Pass: 4/8/14
• Passed: 4/9/14
• Engrossed: 4/14/14
• Refer: 4/15/14
• Report Pass: 5/14/14

Caption

Requests the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to place on its official website a link to information regarding end of life care in the state of Louisiana.

Impact

The resolution highlights the substantial growth in the hospice sector in Louisiana and the importance of providing clear guidance to both patients and healthcare providers. By urging the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to host relevant information on its website, SCR53 aims to enhance public awareness of end-of-life care options, thereby supporting families in making informed decisions during challenging times. Additionally, it aligns with existing state regulations that firmly position hospice care within the framework of natural death without endorsing euthanasia or mercy killing.

Summary

SCR53, introduced in the 2014 Regular Session, is a concurrent resolution urging the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to provide information regarding end of life care on its official website. This resolution reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessible information about hospice services and end of life options for patients and their families. It comes in light of increasing trends in hospice care across the state, with significant numbers of patients receiving these services as they approach the end of life.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SCR53 appears to be positive, indicating a legislative commitment to improving end-of-life care services. The unanimous vote in the House (86 yeas and 0 nays) suggests robust support across party lines for enhancing the accessibility of hospice information. Stakeholders likely view this resolution as a crucial step toward fostering better communication about available care options, thereby supporting not only patients but also healthcare providers.

Contention

While SCR53 is largely supported, it subtly addresses the contention around end of life issues in Louisiana, particularly the language that firmly states the commitment against euthanasia and mercy killing. This indicates a need for clarity in discussions around hospice services amidst ongoing debates about end-of-life choices. The resolution aims to ensure that while patients are informed about their options for natural end-of-life processes, there remains a clear distinction from practices that would be considered euthanasia.