2022 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 131
BY SENATOR CATHEY
A RESOLUTION
To create and provide for the Study Commission on Maternal Health and Wellbeing to
research and make recommendations on connecting pregnant women and new
mothers, particularly in rural and underserved areas, with resources for the health and
wellbeing of the mother and child.
WHEREAS, research indicates maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and
unexpected outcomes of pregnancy and birth resulting in significant health consequences are
rising in the United States and these outcomes occur more frequently in Louisiana than in
other states; and
WHEREAS, addressing maternal mental health concerns has been identified as a
critical need by the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Commission on Perinatal
Care and the Prevention of Infant Mortality, the Louisiana Pregnancy-Associated Mortality
Review, the Louisiana Pritzker Children's Initiative, the Senate Select Committee on Women
and Children, and various other commissions, councils, and advisory boards in Louisiana;
and
WHEREAS, the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Advisory Council, which was
charged with assessing equity and community engagement in state initiatives addressing
maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, recommended that the state "ensure
adequate access to high quality behavioral health services for pregnant and postpartum
women, from early identification through screening and linkage to care and treatment for
maternal mental health needs and substance abuse disorders"; and
WHEREAS, ensuring good maternal health must be a priority for our state because
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it improves the quality of life for our Louisiana families and reduces costs in the long term.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby establish and provide for the Study Commission on Maternal Health and
Wellbeing to research best practices for connecting pregnant women and new mothers,
particularly in rural and underserved areas, with resources for the health and wellbeing of
the mother and child.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study commission shall consist of the
following members:
(1) One member of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee appointed by the
chairman of the committee.
(2) One member of the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children appointed
by the chairwoman of the committee.
(3) One member of the Louisiana Senate appointed by the president of the Senate.
(4) One member with experience in maternal care appointed by the secretary of the
Department of Children and Family Services.
(5) One member with experience in maternal care appointed by the secretary of the
Louisiana Department of Health.
(6) Two members who are affiliated with the Guiding Recovery and Creating
Empowerment program, one of whom is a licensed social worker and one of whom is a
licensed physician, appointed by the president of Woman's Hospital.
(7) A representative of the Louisiana Chapter of the March of Dimes appointed by
the Louisiana state director of operations.
(8) The director of Health Policy and Governmental Affairs, Louisiana Primary Care
Association, or her designee.
(9) A representative of Covered: Doula and Therapy Services in Shreveport
appointed by its founder.
(10) A representative from the New Orleans Maternal Child Health Coalition
appointed by the co-conveners.
(11) The parent educator for Madison and Tensas parishes, Louisiana Department
of Health, bureau of family health, or her designee.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each appointing authority shall submit the names
of appointees for the study commission to the Louisiana Department of Health no later than
August 1, 2022.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the study commission shall convene for its first
meeting no later than September 1, 2022, and at the first meeting, the members shall elect
a chairman and other officers as the study commission may deem appropriate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Louisiana Department of Health and the
Department of Children and Family Services shall provide support staff to the study
commission.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study commission shall do all of the
following:
(1) Identify and assess the functions and activities of existing state efforts and service
systems focused on the health and wellbeing of women before, during, and after childbirth.
(2) Seek ways to address a reduction of adverse maternal-health behaviors during
pregnancy, dysfunctional infant caregiving, and stressful environmental conditions that
interfere with parental and family functioning.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study commission may engage, consult with,
and obtain information and perspective from appropriate state entities, healthcare
stakeholders, or any entity or individual with an interest in improving maternal health and
wellbeing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the study commission shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All official actions of the study
commission shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the study commission shall
serve without compensation except per diem or expenses reimbursement to which they may
be individually entitled as members of their constituent organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the study commission shall submit its findings and
recommendations, together with specific proposals for legislation, by written report to the
Senate Health and Welfare Committee and to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research
Library as required by R.S. 24:771 and 772, no later than February 1, 2023.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study commission shall terminate on the date
of the submission of its report or December 31, 2022, whichever occurs first.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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