Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to evaluate and report on increasing access to vital records at parish health units.
Impact
The impact of SCR11, if implemented, could lead to improvements in the accessibility of essential records which are crucial for daily activities of citizens. The resolution points out that while some alternatives for access have been provided, such as kiosks and online ordering, these have not satisfied the demand for immediate access at parish health units. Evaluating and potentially reinstating immediate access at local health units could streamline the process and reduce costs for citizens, particularly when compared to fees associated with alternative access methods.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11 (SCR11), sponsored by Senator Boudreaux, urges and requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to evaluate and report on increasing access to vital records, specifically birth certificates, at parish health units throughout Louisiana. The resolution highlights the critical nature of immediate access to vital records for various personal and administrative needs, such as enrollment for school and job applications. It addresses the complications citizens currently face in accessing these records due to changes in access strategies implemented in recent years.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR11 is generally supportive, as it strives to improve public access to crucial documents that affect many aspects of individuals' lives. Legislators and advocates who recognize the need for accessible public services see this as a necessary measure to restore convenience that has diminished in recent years. There is a sense that enhancing access to vital records at the parish level will uphold the rights of citizens to obtain their legal documents without undue burden.
Contention
While SCR11 appears to advance a universally beneficial purpose, there could be contention regarding resource allocation within the Department of Health and Hospitals to implement these changes. Questions may arise about the feasibility of increasing access at all 64 parish health units given budgetary and operational constraints. The resolution calls for a detailed report on the current state of access and recommendations, which indicates an understanding that certain logistical challenges might need to be addressed to fulfill the objectives outlined.
Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to evaluate and report on the number of Bayou Health plans that are necessary and appropriate before releasing another RFP to procure such plans.
Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to evaluate and report on the health benefits and costs of adding Krabbe disease to the list of mandatory screenings performed on newborns under certain circumstances.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to submit a report by October 1, 2016, and to add Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) to the newborn screening panel no later than August 1, 2017.
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.
Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to submit a report to the legislature that addresses the issue of raising Louisiana's health ranking as determined by the United Health Foundation's "America's Health Rankings".
Requires the office of vital statistics of the Department of Health and Hospitals to allow the secretary of the Department of Revenue to have automated access and retrieval of birth certificate and death certificate information. (gov sig)
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study and report concerning the economic impact of prospective employee criminal background check costs on licensed healthcare agencies