Louisiana Senate Bill SB189

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/19
• Refer: 3/27/19
• Refer: 4/8/19

Caption

Provides relative to the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. (gov sig)

Impact

The bill addresses the urgent need for improved cancer research infrastructure in Louisiana, as the state has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the nation. Statistics indicate that Louisiana's cancer mortality rate is approximately 30% higher than the national average, resulting in severe public health implications and an estimated economic loss of $400 million annually due to premature cancer-related deaths. By centralizing and enhancing cancer research efforts, SB189 aims to improve the state's capacity to treat and prevent cancer effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 189 aims to establish the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Center by amending existing laws governing the Louisiana Cancer Research Center of L.S.U. Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and Tulane Health Sciences Center. The bill proposes a rebranding of the center and outlines its primary objectives, which include conducting cancer research, promoting education on cancer diagnosis and treatment, and pursuing National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. This designation is critical for enhancing the quality and prestige of cancer care and research in Louisiana, a state that currently faces significant challenges with cancer mortality rates.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB189 appears to be supportive among healthcare professionals and advocates for cancer research. Many stakeholders believe that a dedicated comprehensive cancer center will foster innovation, attract funding, and improve patient outcomes in Louisiana. However, there may be concerns about ensuring effective governance and sufficient funding necessary for achieving the NCI designation, which requires meeting high standards for cancer research and treatment.

Contention

While there is widespread appreciation for the establishment of the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Center, one point of contention centers on the composition and operation of the governance board. The bill proposes significant changes to the membership and functions of the board, which could spark debate over how representative the governance structure will be of the diverse healthcare needs in the state. Furthermore, while the focus on NCI designation is commendable, ensuring that the center adequately addresses existing healthcare disparities and serves all populations effectively will be crucial for its long-term success.