Louisiana Senate Bill SB87

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/25/12
• Engrossed: 4/30/12
• Refer: 5/1/12
• Report Pass: 5/8/12
• Enrolled: 5/21/12
• Chaptered: 5/25/12
• Passed: 5/25/12

Caption

Re-creates Department of Health and Hospitals. (6/30/12)

Impact

The passage of SB87 directly affects the structure of healthcare governance in Louisiana. By re-establishing the Department of Health and Hospitals, the bill aims to ensure ongoing management and oversight of public health services. It simplifies the administrative processes involved in healthcare governance and clarifies the legislative framework supporting these statutory entities. However, the established termination date raises questions about the long-term planning and funding for these crucial health services, necessitating future legislative action to sustain them beyond 2017.

Summary

Senate Bill 87 aims to re-create the Department of Health and Hospitals and the related statutory entities as of June 30, 2012. The bill stipulates that the statutory authority for the existence of these entities will continue in accordance with existing laws, thus providing a legislative framework to ensure their functionality. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that set an expiration date of July 1, 2017, for this authority unless re-created, which places an accountability mechanism on the legislature to review the necessity of these entities over time.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB87 appears to be generally positive, particularly among those who advocate for stable healthcare governance. Supporters emphasized the importance of having a dedicated department to streamline health services, ensuring that the needs of citizens regarding health care are met efficiently. Despite this support, there may also be underlying concerns regarding the implications of the termination date, which could introduce some skepticism regarding funding and service continuity depending on future legislative actions.

Contention

While the bill received unanimous support in the voting process, with a final passage vote of 91-0 in the House, it does open the door for discussion surrounding the adequacy of the funding and resources allocated to the Department of Health and Hospitals after its re-creation. The bill may not generate significant public contention at the moment, but the impending legislative review in 2017 for its continuation poses important questions on whether the services provided by the Department can meet future demands amidst potential budget constraints.