Louisiana House Bill HR47

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/17/13
• Refer: 4/18/13

Caption

Requires submission for approval by the House Committee on Appropriations of any cooperative endeavor agreement between the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors and a private entity involving the change in management of a public hospital

Impact

The bill aims to amend existing governance practices regarding how public hospitals in Louisiana are managed by introducing a layer of legislative oversight for cooperative endeavor agreements that could involve shifting hospital operations to private entities. The current law stipulates that public hospitals must offer services to the medically indigent and uninsured, and HR47 emphasizes that the legislature has a responsibility to deliberate on management changes that could potentially affect patient care and accessibility to services. This can significantly influence the operations of hospitals like Medical Center of Louisiana and others under LSU management.

Summary

House Resolution 47 (HR47) directs that any public-private partnership involving the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University (LSU) for the operation and management of public hospitals requires the approval of the House Committee on Appropriations. This aims to ensure legislative oversight over significant changes in the management structure of state-owned hospitals, thereby protecting the interests of patients, especially the vulnerable who rely on public healthcare facilities. By mandating this approval, the resolution reinforces the accountability of the management of these hospitals to both the legislature and ultimately to the public it serves.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR47 is predominantly one of support for increased oversight in healthcare management, especially given the implications for vulnerable populations. Proponents argue that legislative oversight is necessary to maintain healthcare access and quality for all citizens. However, there are voices of concern regarding the potential bureaucratic delays this may introduce in responding to healthcare needs, with opponents fearing it could hinder timely decision-making in hospital management.

Contention

One point of contention revolves around the existing legal frameworks and opinions regarding the need for legislative approval for public-private partnerships. For instance, an earlier attorney general's opinion suggested that the LSU Board did not require legislative approval to lease hospital facilities. Opponents of HR47 argue that this legislation could unnecessarily complicate and prolong the process involved in securing effective management for hospitals. Ultimately, it raises questions regarding the balance of power between legislative oversight and operational efficiency in the healthcare sector.