Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to create a working group to develop strategies to decrease primary care utilization in emergency rooms in hospitals across Louisiana.
Impact
The creation of a working group under this resolution represents a strategic approach to address high healthcare costs linked to emergency room services. By focusing on reducing non-emergent visits, the state aims to redirect funds and resources towards more appropriate primary care services. This could alleviate some financial pressure on emergency rooms, which are often overwhelmed with patients seeking types of care better suited for outpatient settings. Additionally, the initiative could improve overall patient outcomes by ensuring that individuals with behavioral health issues receive appropriate care rather than relying on emergency services.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 29, proposed by Senator Heitmeier, aims to tackle the pressing issue of primary care utilization in emergency rooms across Louisiana. The resolution directs the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to form a working group tasked with developing strategies to decrease the trend of non-emergent care being provided in emergency room settings. The necessity of this initiative stems from significant financial implications, as the Louisiana Medicaid program reportedly spent approximately $176 million on hospital payments for emergency visits, including around $73 million on cases categorized as non-emergent.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SR29 appears to be positive among health professionals and policymakers who acknowledge the need for reform in how emergency services are used. The resolution is seen as a proactive measure to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery in Louisiana. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of the recommended strategies and whether they can effectively address the specific needs of various populations, particularly regarding mental health and behavioral issues.
Contention
Some points of contention may include the challenge of accurately identifying non-emergent cases and the potential pushback from emergency care providers who might see this initiative as a threat to their operations. The working group is also tasked with studying the prevalence of individuals visiting emergency rooms for behavioral health issues, raising questions about the responsibility of emergency rooms versus community health resources in treating such conditions. Furthermore, the need for timely and effective legislative action following the working group's recommendations will be crucial in determining the success of this initiative.
Requests the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the House Health and Welfare Committee to convene for a hearing to study the SR 29 of 2014 work group report on strategies to decrease primary care utilization in emergency rooms in hospitals across Louisiana.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance to work in collaboration through the Emergency Medical Services Professional Working Group to meet certain goals and to report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare by February 1, 2012.
Authorizes and directs the Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) to organize and facilitate a working group of healthcare providers who deal with victims of trauma to develop recommendations for a Level III Trauma Center in Northeast Louisiana.
Authorizes and directs the Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) to organize and facilitate a working group of healthcare providers who deal with victims of trauma to develop recommendations for a Level III Trauma Center in Northeast Louisiana.
Urges the Department of Health and Hospitals to establish the prevention of disease as a primary model of health care and to promote vitamin D supplementation.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to develop a plan for the creation of a demonstration program to coordinate and integrate the health care for an individual eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the most effective means to ensure the proper utilization of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medications in Louisiana and to report its findings to the legislature.
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.