Urges and requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals and LSU Board of Supervisors to conduct a study assessing the current and future delivery of health care and medical education in La. and to make recommendations
Impact
The bill highlights the need for an overview of the financial implications of federal health reform on Louisiana's healthcare system, specifically how it may impact Medicaid funding. There is a particular emphasis on understanding how an influx of newly insured patients will influence the dynamics of healthcare provision and what strategies may be necessary to adjust to these changes. The resolution also addresses the potential necessity of additional training for physicians to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.
Summary
HCR241 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the LSU Board of Supervisors to study the current structure and delivery of healthcare within the LSU hospital system. The resolution is particularly focused on assessing the adequacy of the hospital infrastructure in New Orleans and Shreveport to meet the needs of Louisiana's population, especially following the anticipated changes due to federal health reforms. It calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the projected healthcare delivery needs as well as the financial feasibility of sustaining Louisiana's public hospital system in the face of these reforms.
Sentiment
General sentiment regarding HCR241 appears to be one of caution and concern about the future of healthcare delivery in Louisiana. Supporters recognize the importance of proactive planning in the context of significant demographic and policy changes, while critics may emphasize the urgency of immediate solutions in the face of an impending physician shortage. The varied opinions suggest a shared commitment to improving healthcare access, albeit with different strategies in mind.
Contention
Notable points of contention include whether Louisiana's healthcare infrastructure can adequately support any new projects like the planned academic medical center in New Orleans and whether the focus should be on enhancing existing facilities or expanding them. The discussion surrounding the feasibility of establishing a medical school at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center also represents a significant debate within the broader theme of healthcare and medical education reform in Louisiana.
Urges and requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals and LSU Board of Supervisors to conduct a study assessing the current and future delivery of health care and medical education in La. and to make recommendations
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 a study to establish baseline data on access to health care in Louisiana and make recommendations concerning health system reforms that emphasize prevention and wellness
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to create a task force to study, identify, and make recommendations to address the specialist physician shortage in the state
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to continue the task force to study, identify, and make recommendations to address the shortage of specialist physicians in this state
Urges and requests the Department of Health and Hospitals, in conjunction with the Board of Regents, to study the effectiveness of current licensure and certification functions for the profession of midwifery