Requests the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to study and make recommendations relative to pharmacists' testing, screening, and treatment of certain health conditions.
Impact
This resolution seeks to evaluate and potentially expand the role of pharmacists within the healthcare system in Louisiana. The pharmacists currently have a collaborative drug therapy management program that allows them to work in partnership with physicians, furthering the efficiency of patient care. By studying the feasibility of a statewide protocol for pharmacists to initiate treatment or therapy for qualified health conditions, the resolution aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance access to necessary health services across the state.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 39 urges the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to conduct a study and make recommendations regarding the testing, screening, and treatment of certain health conditions by pharmacists. Recognizing the significant role that pharmacists play in delivering high-quality healthcare services, including medication management therapy and disease management, this resolution highlights the need for enhanced healthcare access in Louisiana, particularly given the state's pronounced issues with health outcomes and professional shortages in healthcare providers.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR39 indicates a positive outlook towards the role of pharmacists in improving healthcare access. Legislators and members of the healthcare community seem to agree on the necessity of enhancing pharmacists’ responsibilities in patient care. However, while there is broad support for the concept, the potential logistical and regulatory challenges of implementing such changes could stir some concerns regarding the extent of the changes to current law.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from discussions about the practical implementation of the recommendations made by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. Questions about the adequacy of training for pharmacists, the scope of health conditions to include, and the implications for collaborative relationships with physicians are all potential areas of debate. Furthermore, stakeholders may express varying opinions on how to balance pharmacist autonomy with necessary medical oversight, which could impact the resolution's final recommendations.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to study and make recommendations relative to certain provisions of Louisiana law on medical marijuana.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.