Louisiana Senate Bill SR46

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/20
• Passed: 5/18/20

Caption

Creates the Coroner Safety Task Force to develop policy recommendations that seek to enhance the prevention and mitigation of harm against a coroner and behavioral health facility personnel.

Impact

The creation of the Coroner Safety Task Force signifies a proactive approach toward addressing safety concerns within the state’s behavioral health system. The resolution recognizes the challenges faced by coroners and aims to improve their working conditions by evaluating new methods and technologies. The task force will consist of representatives from various organizations, including the Louisiana Coroner's Association and local behavioral hospitals, which underscores a collaborative effort to enhance frontline safety measures for those involved in behavioral healthcare settings.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 46 establishes the Coroner Safety Task Force aimed at enhancing the safety of coroners and personnel in behavioral health facilities during evaluations related to executing emergency certificates. The resolution emphasizes the importance of providing proper behavioral health services and ensuring that coroners can operate effectively within these critical frameworks. The key objective of the task force is to devise policies that will help prevent and mitigate potential dangers encountered by coroners and facility staff during their examinations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR46 appears to be supportive from various stakeholders who acknowledge the critical need for improved safety for coroners. By convening a task force specifically focused on this issue, the resolution indicates a recognition of the potential risks inherent in coroner-related activities in behavioral health contexts. Most discussions emphasize that better safety protocols are essential not only for the protection of the coroners but also for the effective delivery of mental health services.

Contention

While the resolution aims for improvements in safety, the formation of the task force may spur discussions about the adequacy of current safety practices and the potential need for broader reforms within the coroner's office and behavioral health frameworks. Stakeholders may debate the best strategies to achieve safety enhancements and how to balance those needs with the operational demands of coroners and behavioral health practitioners. This aspect could lead to differing opinions on the most effective approaches to ensuring safety while delivering critical behavioral health services.