Requests a study concerning means by which to ensure that autopsies are conducted in all cases of maternal deaths occurring in hospitals
Impact
If HCR68 is enacted, it would lead to a focused study on maternal death autopsies and reporting practices. By mandating the Department of Health to engage various stakeholders, including the Louisiana Coroner's Association and the Louisiana Hospital Association, the resolution directly impacts health policy related to maternal health. It ensures the continuation of maternal mortality reviews and aims to create a more systematic approach for handling these critical cases, which could lead to improved health regulations and practices in the state.
Summary
HCR68, a House Concurrent Resolution from Louisiana, urges the Department of Health to study the means by which autopsies can be conducted for all in-hospital maternal deaths. The resolution highlights the concern over a significant percentage of maternal deaths that currently do not undergo autopsy, making it difficult to ascertain the causes of death. By encouraging standardized coroner and toxicology reporting, the resolution aims to enhance the evaluation of maternal deaths and potentially improve maternal health outcomes in Louisiana.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HCR68 appears to be constructive, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations into maternal health issues. Stakeholders and health advocates likely view this resolution as a necessary step toward addressing the existing gaps in understanding maternal deaths and improving overall health outcomes for mothers in Louisiana. However, there may be underlying concerns about the resources and implementation of such studies within the state health system.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the methodology for conducting autopsies and the corresponding implications for hospital practices and policies. Some skeptics might argue about the feasibility of performing autopsies for all in-hospital maternal deaths, questioning whether it could create additional strains on healthcare resources. Furthermore, the stakeholders involved in such a study must navigate various ethical and logistical challenges while attempting to gather comprehensive data.
Provides relative to requiring each hospital or free-standing birthing center in the state of Louisiana to perform a comprehensive systematic analysis for each maternal death that occurs
Requests the Commission on Perinatal Care and Prevention of Infant Mortality to study and make recommendations concerning prevention and treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study means to facilitate burial of a fetus or fetal remains resulting from a loss of pregnancy at less than twenty weeks' gestation
Establishes the Louisiana Maternal Mental Health Task Force for the purposes of advancing education and treatment and improving services relating to maternal mental heath
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.