Louisiana Senate Bill SR53

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/16
• Passed: 4/13/16

Caption

Commends the LSU Health Sciences Centers in Shreveport and in New Orleans on their contributions to healthcare development in Louisiana.

Impact

The resolution highlights pressing healthcare needs, projecting that Louisiana will require nearly 3,000 primary care physicians by 2020 to meet increasing demands, particularly as the population ages and health insurance coverage expands due to changes in federal health policies. By recognizing the role of LSU Health Sciences Centers in training and retaining medical professionals, the resolution points to the larger economic implications of healthcare in the state, which is estimated to carry a substantial economic impact of $1.4 billion.

Summary

Senate Resolution 53, introduced by Senator Gatti, commends the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Centers in Shreveport and New Orleans for their significant contributions to healthcare development in the state of Louisiana. The resolution underscores the importance of these institutions in addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages in Louisiana, as evidenced by the state's current low rankings in various healthcare provider categories, including nurse practitioners and primary care physicians.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR53 is predominantly positive, with a focus on the contributions of LSU to strengthen the healthcare environment in Louisiana. Lawmakers and stakeholders view the resolution as a necessary acknowledgment of the efforts made by these institutions to enhance healthcare access and quality, especially in light of looming workforce gaps. The resolution reinforces a supportive stance towards medical education and workforce development.

Contention

While the resolution does not outline significant points of contention, the backdrop of healthcare needs in Louisiana suggests underlying tensions regarding resource allocation for medical training and support for healthcare initiatives. The recognition of LSU's contributions could lead to discussions about funding, policy priorities, and ongoing challenges in healthcare delivery, especially given the critical shortages projected for the near future.