Louisiana House Bill HCR13

Louisiana 2020 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 6/10/20
• Refer: 6/11/20

Caption

Directs the La. Department of Health to implement certain policies for the health and safety of long-term care facility residents

Impact

HCR 13 mandates that long-term care facilities implement stringent protocols for COVID-19 testing. Facilities must report positive cases to the Department of Health within 24 hours and update existing case data weekly. Furthermore, the bill requires care facilities to develop an isolation protocol to prevent the spread of the virus and coordinate effectively with hospitals during patient transfers. This legislative action directly aims to enhance current practices regarding the care of vulnerable populations, ultimately aiming to reduce infection rates and safeguard lives.

Summary

HCR 13 is a concurrent resolution that directs the Louisiana Department of Health to implement various measures aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of residents in long-term care facilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With the significant vulnerability of elderly and dementia-affected individuals within these settings, the resolution emphasizes the urgency of establishing protocols for testing, reporting, and care coordination to tackle the challenges posed by the virus. This response is particularly relevant given that a considerable proportion of COVID-19 related deaths in Louisiana have occurred among residents of such facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR 13 appears to be largely supportive among legislators aware of the dangers COVID-19 poses to long-term care residents. Nonetheless, there could be concerns related to financial implications for facilities in terms of implementing the required measures and protocols. Supporters view it as a necessary intervention to protect some of the state's most vulnerable citizens, while any dissent may center on the operational burdens that could arise as a result of the legislation.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise in the execution of the measures required by the resolution, especially the financial and staffing implications for long-term care facilities already struggling with the demands of the pandemic. While the intention behind HCR 13 is to enhance resident safety, stakeholders may express concern about the feasibility of enforcing such protocols effectively, thereby potentially leading to discussions on resource allocation and prioritization within the state's health care system.