Requests the La. Department of Health to report certain data on the state's public-private partnership hospitals
Impact
The implementation of HR40 is intended to enhance the accountability and transparency of public-private partnership hospitals through regular reporting on key operational metrics. By requiring data such as the average number of occupied beds, patient transfer acceptance rates, and emergency department visits, the resolution seeks to provide lawmakers with the necessary insights to assess the effectiveness of these partnerships and to make informed decisions regarding healthcare policies in Louisiana.
Summary
House Resolution 40, also known as HR40, urges the Louisiana Department of Health to compile and submit a comprehensive report on the state's public-private partnership hospitals. This resolution highlights the transformation of the state's public safety net hospitals initiated in 2012, where most hospitals have transitioned to being operated by private partners under cooperative endeavor agreements. The resolution aims to ensure that the legislature has access to reliable data to formulate sound fiscal and public health policies regarding hospital operations and service delivery.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HR40 is one of support among legislators who seek to improve healthcare governance in Louisiana. The resolution has garnered backing from representatives who see value in having data available for legislative scrutiny. However, there may be concerns regarding the resource allocation and administrative burdens on the Department of Health to fulfill the reporting requirements, particularly as they relate to maintaining efficiency in hospital operations.
Contention
Notably, while the resolution's intent is to increase oversight, some stakeholders may raise questions about the potential for over-regulation and how it might affect the operational flexibility of hospitals. Competition between private and public healthcare entities may also come into play, leading to discussions on whether such reporting aligns with the goal of improving health outcomes or adds unnecessary complexity to the healthcare system.
Requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to assess the viability of establishing public health research centers through public-private partnerships in medically underserved areas of the state
Requests the legislative auditor to examine the current financial condition of the public-private partnerships for operation of the north Louisiana safety net hospitals
Provides for certain "transparency" reporting to the legislature by the Department of Health and Hospitals concerning the Louisiana Medicaid Bayou Health program and the Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership and Coordinated System of Care programs. (8/1/12)
Requests DHH to protect LSU Health Sciences Center - Shreveport hospitals from consequences of privatization which are detrimental to public health and finance, and to adequately compensate other hospitals of north and central La. for any increased burden of providing care to the poor and uninsured resulting from privatization of public hospitals
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study possible methods which would increase the provision of graduate medical education in central Louisiana by designating certain hospitals which enter into public/private partnerships with Huey P. Long Medical Center as major teaching hospitals for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement.
Requests the La. Department of Health to develop a proposal for a statewide hospital coordination plan for use in disasters and other emergency situations