Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HCR59

Introduced
5/8/17  
Introduced
5/8/17  
Refer
5/9/17  

Caption

Creates a study group to make recommendations concerning the potential establishment of an independent health professions scope of practice review committee

Impact

The resolution is designed to enhance legislative decision-making with respect to health profession regulations, which are currently determined by state licensing boards. By establishing a review committee, the bill seeks to streamline the evaluation process for proposals that may expand or limit healthcare practices. Key points of focus for the study group will include models from other states, notably the Connecticut framework, which has been successful in providing thorough and informed analysis in health practice determinations. Accordingly, this could lead to standardized recommendations which streamline the legislative process and facilitate better healthcare delivery.

Summary

HCR59 proposes the establishment of a special study group to evaluate and recommend the creation of an independent health professions scope of practice review committee, referred to as the 'Louisiana Health Professions Institute'. The purpose of this institute would be to provide objective assessments regarding the scope of practice for various health professions in Louisiana, ensuring that legislative decisions are based on reliable information and best practices from other states. This move is in response to the complexities and controversies associated with scope of practice legislation in recent sessions of the Louisiana legislature.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding HCR59 appears supportive, particularly among health professionals and stakeholders interested in improving healthcare access and safety. Proponents argue that having an independent committee will lead to more rational and evidence-based policymaking rather than politically-driven decisions. However, there are underlying concerns about whether the recommendations made by this committee might ultimately limit the ability of some health professions to expand their scope of practice, thereby affecting their roles in delivering care.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between expanding access to healthcare services and ensuring patient safety. Critics may view the establishment of such a committee as a potential avenue to undermine local and professional voices in determining practice standards. The resolution's language emphasizes the need for careful consideration of various stakeholder inputs, which may be challenging amid differing interests among health practitioners, the legislature, and the public.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HCR86

Creates a study group to make recommendations concerning the prospective establishment of an independent health professions scope of practice review committee

LA HCR94

Authorizes and directs healthcare professional licensing boards to evaluate potential models for an independent scope of practice review program for this state

LA SCR73

Authorizes and directs health care professional licensing boards to evaluate potential models for an independent scope of practice review for this state.

LA HB345

Relating to occupational licensing of health professionals; to establish the Health Professional Scope of Practice Review Commission to review and make recommendations to the Legislature regarding legislation revising or creating scope of practice laws for health professions; to provide for membership of the commission; and to provide guidelines for the commission to determine if scope of practice legislation is appropriate.

LA HCR170

Creates a study committee to evaluate and make recommendations concerning Louisiana's system of healthcare delivery

LA HB05258

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Program Review And Investigations Committee Concerning Scope Of Practice Determinations For Health Care Professions.

LA HCR59

Creates a special council to make recommendations concerning the potential establishment of a Commission on the Aging and Adults with Disabilities

LA HR155

Forms a study group to evaluate options and make recommendations for reforming healthcare workforce training and development in this state

LA HCR119

Requests the La. Department of Health to make recommendations concerning the prospective establishment of an independent claims review process for dental services provided through the Medicaid managed care program

LA HB326

Makes technical corrections to various provisions of law within the purview of the legislative committees on health and welfare

Similar Bills

LA SB649

Provides for the Louisiana State Health Care Profession Institute. (8/1/14) (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SCR4

Requests the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana State University Public Administration Institute, and the Louisiana Tax Institute to analyze mineral revenues, taxes, and exemptions and to submit a written report of its findings to the legislature.

LA SR171

Requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to create a Water Code Committee.

LA SCR78

Requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to create a Water Code Committee.

LA SB183

Provides for a comprehensive, integrated postsecondary education delivery system for the New Orleans region. (gov sig) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB537

Provides for the transfer of UNO from the LSU System to the UL System and specifies goals for the postsecondary education delivery system for the New Orleans region (REF INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SCR96

Requests the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana State University Public Administration Institute, and the Louisiana Tax Institute to analyze mineral revenues, taxes, and exemptions and to submit a written report of its findings to the legislature. (EG NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)

LA HB24

Provides relative to the optional retirement plan in the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (EN SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE APV)