Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to report on the use and results of hydroxychloroquine for treating Medicaid recipients relative to COVID-19.
Impact
This resolution underscores the state's interest in understanding the potential benefits and challenges of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19 within the Medicaid population. Should the Louisiana Department of Health fulfill this request effectively, the findings could influence future healthcare policies, treatment protocols, and resource allocation for COVID-19 within the state. Furthermore, the results may guide discussions regarding the approval and distribution of similar treatments for other diseases or pandemic scenarios in the future.
Summary
Senate Resolution 28 requests that the Louisiana Department of Health report on the use and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in treating Medicaid recipients who tested positive for COVID-19. Specifically, the resolution seeks to gather data on Medicaid recipients who were prescribed hydroxychloroquine for other medical reasons, as well as those who received it as post-exposure prophylaxis during the pandemic. The proposed reporting period spans from March 2020 to October 2020, aiming to assess hospitalization rates and associated mortality among these patients.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SR28 appears largely supportive of exploring all possible avenues for COVID-19 treatment, especially given the high number of infections and hospitalizations recorded in Louisiana. However, there persists a level of skepticism regarding hydroxychloroquine, fueled by mixed results from clinical trials and the controversial discussions surrounding its use during the pandemic. Advocates for the resolution likely view it as a critical step towards data-driven policymaking, while critics may worry about the implications of relying on treatments that have shown inconsistent results across studies.
Contention
Noteworthy points of contention surrounding this resolution include the ongoing debate about the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, alongside the ethical considerations of using Medicaid funds for such treatments. Some legislators may question the validity of hydroxychloroquine as a solution, given previous studies that did not definitively endorse its use. This resolution seeks to produce concrete data, yet it also revives discussions related to the overall direction of COVID-19 treatment strategies and the management of state health resources.
Directs the Louisiana Department of Health and the LSU Health Services Center - New Orleans, health care services division, to report on the use and results of hydroxychloroquine on Medicaid patients for treating COVID-19.
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to collect data regarding the age, race, and gender of Louisiana residents who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or any future public health emergency.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Department of Veterans Affairs to implement policies for the health and safety of long-term care facility residents.
Suspends certain provisions relative to the definition of public health emergency for the purposes of the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act. (Item #28)
Directs the Louisiana Department of Health and the LSU Health Services Center - New Orleans, health care services division, to report on the use and results of hydroxychloroquine on Medicaid patients for treating COVID-19.
Pharmacists authorized to prescribe, dispense, and administer hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for preexposure prophylaxis use, postexposure prophylaxis use, or treatment of COVID-19.
Pharmacist authorization to prescribe, dispense, and administer hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for preexposure prophylaxis use, postexposure prophylaxis use or the treatment of COVID-19