Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals and the division of administration to report to the House Committee on Health and Welfare concerning the discontinuation of the operation of the Earl K. Long Medical Center Mental Health Emergency Room Extension upon privatization of that hospital
Impact
The closure of the MHERE has led to increased pressure on other emergency services in the area, with local hospitals and jails experiencing an uptick in admissions of individuals in need of mental health intervention, as resources to manage these cases have diminished. The financial benefits demonstrated during the MHERE's operation, where it reportedly saved the state over twenty million dollars by reducing hospitalization costs, highlight the necessity of accessible mental health resources. The resolution emphasizes the need for a coordinated response to the ongoing mental health challenges that Baton Rouge faces, consequent to the lack of a dedicated emergency service.
Summary
House Resolution 173 addresses the cessation of operations of the Mental Health Emergency Room Extension (MHERE) at the Earl K. Long Medical Center following its privatization. The resolution urges the Department of Health and Hospitals along with the division of administration to report on the reasons behind the closure and how mental health services that were once offered at the facility will be continued in the Baton Rouge community. The MHERE had previously played a crucial role in providing immediate care for individuals facing behavioral health crises, offering specialized services designed to connect patients with ongoing community treatment options.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR173 reflects a proactive approach to address a community health issue, with legislative support aimed at ensuring that critical mental health services are not neglected post-privatization. Proponents of the resolution are likely to emphasize the importance of sustaining mental health services within the community to prevent further adverse outcomes from insufficient care in crises. Overall, the sentiment is one of urging for accountability and the assurance that quality mental health services remain available to those in need.
Contention
While the resolution aims to address the shortcomings left by the closure of the MHERE, it also brings to light the broader implications of privatization on public health services. Critics may argue about the potential inadequacies of privatized services and the increased burden on emergency departments and the justice system as a result of reduced mental health support. The resolution's call for reporting suggests a lack of clarity on how the transition from public to private has affected service delivery and community health outcomes, pointing to a critical debate on the efficacy of privatization in public health sectors.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals and the division of administration to report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare why the operation of the Earl K. Long Medical Center Mental Health Emergency Room Extension was not continued upon privatization of that hospital, and how such services will be resumed in Baton Rouge.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to protect certain hospitals from the negative financial consequences of the closure of the Earl K. Long Medical Center by adequately compensating such hospitals for their increased burden of providing health care to the poor and uninsured residents of the greater Baton Rouge region.
Urges and requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on Louisiana-based community mental health centers and to report to the House Committee on Health and Welfare by January 1, 2011.
Requests DHH to protect LSU Health Sciences Center - Shreveport hospitals from consequences of privatization which are detrimental to public health and finance, and to adequately compensate other hospitals of north and central La. for any increased burden of providing care to the poor and uninsured resulting from privatization of public hospitals
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 the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on Louisiana-based community mental health centers and to report to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by January 1, 2011.
Requests the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the House Health and Welfare Committee to convene for a hearing to study the SR 29 of 2014 work group report on strategies to decrease primary care utilization in emergency rooms in hospitals across Louisiana.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study and make a recommendation for a freestanding emergency department pilot program in North Baton Rouge.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance to work in collaboration through the Emergency Medical Services Professional Working Group to meet certain goals and to report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare by February 1, 2012.