DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 90 Original 2022 Regular Session Marcelle
Abstract: Creates the office on women's health within the La. Department of Health and provides
for the functions of the office.
Present law provides that the La. Department of Health (LDH) shall be composed of the following
offices:
(1)The executive office of the secretary.
(2)The office of management and finance.
(3)The office of public health.
(4)The office of behavioral health.
(5)The office for citizens with developmental disabilities.
(6)The office of aging and adult services.
(7)Such other offices as shall be created by law.
Proposed law retains present law and creates within LDH the office on women's health. Provides
that the office on women's health shall be responsible for leading, consolidating, and coordinating
efforts across the state that are intended to improve women's health outcomes through policy,
education, evidence-based practices, programs, and services.
Proposed law provides that the office on women's health shall perform all of the following functions:
(1)Educate and advocate for women's health by establishing appropriate forums, programs, or
initiatives designed to educate the public regarding women's health, with an emphasis on
preventive health and healthy lifestyles.
(2)Identify, coordinate, and establish priorities for programs, services, and resources for
women's health issues and concerns.
(3)Serve as a clearinghouse and resource regarding women's health data, strategies, services,
and programs that address women's health issues. (4)Collect, classify, and analyze relevant information and data resulting from research
conducted or compiled by LDH and any collaborative entities, and provide information to
the public regarding the results of such research except as prohibited by law.
(5)Develop and recommend funding and program activities for educating the public on women's
health initiatives relating to social determinants of health.
(6)Make recommendations to the secretary of LDH concerning programs that address women's
health issues for inclusion in the department's budget and strategic planning.
(7)Seek funding from other governmental entities and private sources to carry out the purposes
provided in proposed law.
(8)Prepare for publication and dissemination to the public materials regarding women's health.
(9)Conduct public educational forums in La. to raise public awareness and to educate citizens
about women's health programs, issues, and services.
(10)Coordinate the activities and programs of the office with other entities that focus on women's
health or women's issues.
(11)Submit an annual report to the governor, the legislature, and the secretary of LDH concerning
the priorities and services needed for women's health in this state and areas for improvement.
Present law provides that each office within LDH, except the office of management and finance,
shall be under the immediate supervision and direction of an assistant secretary, who shall be
appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate. Requires that, except as otherwise provided
in present law, each assistant secretary shall employ, appoint, remove, assign, and promote such
personnel as is necessary for the efficient administration of their office and its programs in
accordance with applicable civil service laws, rules, and regulations, and with policies and rules of
LDH, all subject to budgetary control and applicable laws. Proposed law retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 36:251(C)(1); Adds R.S. 36:258(E) and R.S. 40:2031 and 2032)