Louisiana Senate Bill SR113

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/7/10
• Passed: 6/7/10

Caption

Requests the LSU Board of Supervisors to provide a written, detailed overview and time line for the closure of the Earl K. Long Medical Center.

Impact

The closure of the Earl K. Long Medical Center poses significant implications for community health services. With the center's mission to deliver quality care, especially to low-income individuals, its closure could result in increased numbers of uninsured patients seeking treatment at other hospitals, which may be ill-equipped to handle this influx without adequate resources. Moreover, the resolution draws attention to concerns about the continuity of medical education and inpatient procedures as care is shifted to Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 113 urges the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College to provide a detailed overview and timeline for the closure of the Earl K. Long Medical Center. This state-run facility has long served as an essential acute care center for East Baton Rouge Parish and its surrounding areas, providing critical healthcare services to residents regardless of their financial status. The resolution emphasizes the need for clarity regarding how the transfer of medical services will be managed along with ensuring that quality care is maintained for the underprivileged populations that rely on this center.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR113 appears to be focused on community welfare and healthcare accessibility. While the resolution aligns with concerns from residents about the future of healthcare in their area, it reflects potential apprehension towards the transition of care services. Residents have expressed worry over the equitable delivery of care, transportation options to other facilities, and job security for current employees at Earl K. Long.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the community's uncertainty about the healthcare system's response to the closure. Many questions remain regarding patient education concerning the transition, the maintenance of quality care for indigent patients, and how the commitment to the foundational healthcare principles will carry through at the new facility. The potential increase in demand for services at nearby hospitals adds another layer of complexity to the situation, fuelling concerns about the adequacy of care for vulnerable populations.