Louisiana House Bill HCR193

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/27/15
• Engrossed: 5/27/15
• Passed: 6/1/15

Caption

Creates the Calcasieu Hospital Council to address the issue of uncompensated care costs incurred by hospitals in Calcasieu Parish

Impact

The council comprises the chief executive officers of significant local hospitals, who will collaborate to secure expert assistance in Medicaid financing and other professional services as needed. They are empowered to vote on measures aimed at improving the coordination of indigent care among hospitals in the parish. The council’s activities are expected to create a centralized strategy to navigate the complex funding landscape, ensuring that non-CEA hospitals receive the necessary resources to continue serving their communities without bearing unsustainable costs.

Summary

HCR193 establishes the Calcasieu Hospital Council in Louisiana, aimed at addressing the increasing issue of uncompensated care costs faced by non-rural acute care hospitals in Calcasieu Parish. In the wake of the 2013 closure of W. O. Moss Regional Medical Center, the council's formation seeks to analyze and mitigate the financial burden that local hospitals are experiencing due to an unsustainable surge in patient demand without adequate compensation. The resolution mandates that the council study uncompensated care on an individual hospital basis and advance solutions that leverage funding opportunities at various levels of government.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR193 appears positive, with support from various stakeholders who recognize the necessity of addressing uncompensated care challenges. Lawmakers expressed a sense of urgency and importance regarding the financial stability of hospitals, as failure to act could lead to adverse outcomes for local healthcare provision. However, there may still be underlying concerns about the adequacy of the solutions developed and whether they will effectively address the needs of all hospitals involved.

Contention

While HCR193 presents a step towards addressing pressing issues in local healthcare, notable points of contention may arise related to the deployment of resources and the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. There is a recognition that any outcomes developed must avoid increasing overall reimbursement levels unless additional funding is sourced, which could lead to debates on the feasibility and practicality of the council's initiatives. Stakeholders must navigate balancing immediate care needs with long-term sustainability and funding challenges.