Requests the Louisiana Patient's Compensation Fund Board to gather certain information and present their findings to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare.
Impact
If acted upon, the findings gathered by the Patient's Compensation Fund Board could influence future legislation related to medical malpractice and healthcare provider regulations. The resolution reflects a recognition that Louisiana's medical malpractice laws, largely unchanged since the mid-1970s, require informed updates based on factual data. Such data could lead to legislative action that may enhance the protection of public interests in healthcare while maintaining a viable environment for healthcare providers through adequate malpractice coverage.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 108, introduced by Senator Luneau, aims to urge the Louisiana Patient's Compensation Fund Board to gather and research important information related to medical malpractice claims in Louisiana. Specifically, the resolution calls for data on a range of topics, including the number of requests for medical review panel assessments over the past decade, the claims paid by the Patient's Compensation Fund, and the time taken for these claims to be processed. The goal is to ensure that lawmakers have access to accurate and detailed data on these claims, which have not been adequately reported in the past, especially given the delays in adjudication and settlement of claims.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR108 appears to be constructive, with members of the legislative body emphasizing the need for comprehensive and timely reporting of medical malpractice claims. Supporters of the resolution, including healthcare advocates and some legislators, view it as a necessary step towards ensuring accountability within the healthcare system and establishing informed public policy. The general atmosphere appears to be one of cooperation among legislators seeking to improve health services in Louisiana.
Contention
Despite the support for SR108, there may be underlying contention regarding how the data gathered could be utilized in the future. Concerns may arise about whether increasing the regulatory scrutiny on healthcare providers could lead to more stringent practices that might ultimately affect the availability of healthcare services. Some stakeholders could argue that too much regulation could discourage practitioners from operating in Louisiana, which may have lingering effects on the state's overall healthcare landscape. Thus, while the resolution itself is bipartisan in nature, its implications could spark further debate in ensuring a balance between oversight and provider support.
Requests the division of administration, the Patient's Compensation Fund, and the Patient's Compensation Fund Oversight Board to consider implementation of an e-filing system for medical review panel requests and an e-payment system for filing fees. (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Requires the reporting of malpractice claims paid by insurers or self- insurers on behalf of certain health care providers in an annual report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare. (gov sig)
Requests the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to study modifications for certain time periods regarding medical malpractice claims, medical review panel composition, and compensation limitations
Requests the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the House Health and Welfare Committee to convene for a hearing to study the SR 29 of 2014 work group report on strategies to decrease primary care utilization in emergency rooms in hospitals across Louisiana.
Provides relative to healthcare licensing boards reporting to the House and Senate committees on health and welfare on their recognition of military veterans training in various healthcare occupations
Requests the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to study the governance, efficiencies, and service delivery of the Louisiana State University Health Care Services Division and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance to work in collaboration through the Emergency Medical Services Professional Working Group to meet certain goals and to report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare by February 1, 2012.
Requires the reporting of malpractice claims paid by insurers or self- insurers on behalf of certain health care providers in an annual report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare. (gov sig)
Requests the division of administration, the Patient's Compensation Fund, and the Patient's Compensation Fund Oversight Board to consider implementation of an e-filing system for medical review panel requests and an e-payment system for filing fees. (EN NO IMPACT See Note)