Requests a study of the adequacy of health services provided to persons incarcerated in state correctional facilities
Impact
The potential implications of HCR91 could lead to significant changes in healthcare delivery for inmates across Louisiana. By involving key stakeholders in the study, the bill aims to bridge gaps between institutional healthcare practices and the medical needs of the incarcerated population. The findings could result in policy recommendations that align prison healthcare standards closer to those afforded to the general public, thereby addressing disparities that currently exist in the treatment and care of inmates, especially those with acute medical needs. The results of the study are expected to be presented to the legislature by February 1, 2021, which may prompt subsequent legislative action depending on the outcomes reported.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 91 (HCR91) urges a comprehensive study on the adequacy of health services provided to individuals incarcerated in facilities operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. This bill highlights the need for better healthcare access for inmates and calls upon various organizations, including the Voice of the Experienced and the Formerly Incarcerated Transition (FIT) Clinic, to participate in this research. Given Louisiana's high incarceration rates, coupled with ongoing concerns regarding the quality of medical care within the prison system, this bill serves to emphasize the constitutional rights that incarcerated persons have regarding healthcare as delineated in the Supreme Court case Estelle v. Gamble (1976).
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR91 appears to be largely positive, with an acknowledgment of the vital need for improved health services as a human rights issue for incarcerated individuals. Advocates and organizations for criminal justice reform generally support the bill as it aligns with their mission of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their legal status, receive equitable healthcare. Conversely, there may be skepticism about the actual implementation of recommended changes following the study, given historical challenges regarding healthcare within the prison system. Nonetheless, the bill represents a proactive approach to addressing these critical issues in Louisiana's correctional facilities.
Contention
While there is broad support for the resolution, discussions may arise regarding the accountability and effectiveness of health services in state prisons and how to ensure that the study leads to actionable outcomes. The bill's commitment to engage multiple stakeholders could be contentious among those who feel that governmental and healthcare institutions have not prioritized this issue adequately in the past. Additionally, there may be disagreement over the resources allocated to implement any recommendations made by the study, considering budget constraints and the need for comprehensive reforms in the correctional system.
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 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.