Louisiana Senate Bill SR108

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/19/21
• Refer: 5/20/21
• Report Pass: 5/26/21
• Passed: 5/27/21

Caption

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.