It does still require the adoption and implementation of a policy that includes a surgical smoke plume evacuation plan aimed at mitigating and removing the surgical smoke plume. ACT 322 (SB 66) by Sen. Fred Mills changes the term “telemedicine” to “telehealth” in Louisiana statute. LSMS originally opposed the legislation and offered amendments to tighten language that now requires anyone conducting a telehealth visit on a Louisiana patient to create a written record. We have many physicians and other providers in Louisiana who have concerns related to telehealth. We did express those concerns but were met with a lack of interest in how to balance those concerns with the benefits of “easing access to healthcare.” SB 172 by Sen. Brett Allain did not get heard in committee. The legislation focused on noncompete clauses in physician contracts and focused on physicians caught by noncompetes when their employing practices are sold. However, as the bill was drafted there were unintended consequences that could not be alleviated in a compressed legislative session. ACT 358 (HB 548) by Rep. Chris Turner prohibits discriminatory practices that limit the monetary benefit that entities participating in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program receive as result of dispensing drugs discounted by the program. RESOLUTIONS as Legislation
• Shifted the burden of proving nexus to the physician.
After two committee meetings, SB 139 failed in committee by a vote of 4 to 3.
In the House, Rep. Edmond Jordan offered HCR 57 which requested a study to solicit input, recommendations, and advice from interested stakeholders on the current effectiveness of the medical malpractice limitations to compensation and medical review panels. The make-up of the participants on the committee was very large and included twenty legislators. The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Civil Law and did not receive a hearing before the session adjourned. ABORTION Legislation Seven bills focused on abortion were filed this legislative session. LSMS has a longstanding policy to remain neutral on abortion legislation that focuses on the societal beliefs regarding the issue. However, the Society does become engaged when the legislation impacts patient safety and/or the practice of medicine. Three of the bills filed attempted to clarify last year’s legislation by developing more medically sound definitions or reducing criminal penalties associated with providing routine medical care to pregnant patients. The bills supported by LSMS this year included: • HB 461 by Mary DuBuisson would have provided to last year’s abortion exceptions through a new definition of “non- viable pregnancy.” • HB 522 by Aimee Freeman would have redefined abortion, eliminated imprisonment of physicians in favor of fines when an abortion has been performed, and reduced physician certification requirements for a determination of medical futility.
ADVOCACY • LEGISLATIVE • REGULATORY The LSMS is a good investment for physician group practices, hospitals, and other physician employers. We fill a unique role that benefits both the physician and their group or employer. The LSMS has a long history of working with our Capital Club members and leadership to address their practice needs and sharing success stories. Whether that’s coordinating on advocacy efforts, providing legislative and regulatory updates to senior leaders, or highlighting practice or hospital news and physicians, our expert staff are always one call away. Sharing Success LSMS CAPITAL CLUB
As usual, we have resolutions that are of interest which we are including if they passed.
HCR 83 by Rep. Michael Echols creates a task force within the Louisiana Department of Health to study, identify and make recommendations which address the specialist physician shortage within the state. With his resolution, Rep. Echols is continuing a multi-year effort to focus the state on physicians and highlight the need to better develop physician data and incentive programs to retain them. HCR 114 by Rep. Kenny Cox requests the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to study the possible outcomes of allowing supervised practice for previously sanctioned physicians and its effects on the physician shortage in this state. SR 160 by Sen. Jay Luneau urges and requests the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to make information regarding collaborative practice agreements publicly accessible to patients. To see the outcome of the full list of bills tracked by LSMS during this legislative session please click this link: Microsoft Word - 2023RS Final Report Bill List (ymaws.com)
Beyond the standard membership benefits,
THE FOLLOWING EXCLUSIVE CAPITAL CLUB OPPORTUNITIES ARE OFFERED:
• HB 598 by Candace Newell would have amended varying definitions relative to the crime of abortion.
• 25 Physician Leaders at a discounted membership rate • Physician Leaders have direct access to LSMS EVP/CEO and LSMS Advocacy Team. • Physicians can get directly involved in issues that may otherwise be seen as self-serving, such as reimbursement and scope of practice issues. • LSMS can address issues that are priority for practicing physicians but while important, may not be a priority for a system.
• Physician Leaders can gain valuable experience through the LSMS that will help them pursue leadership positions with their practice or hospital. • Practice or group logo and news is promoted on LSMS social media outlets and in e-newsletter, Capsules & Journal of the LSMS • One convenient bill to reduce staff and administrative burdens. • Easy renewal process. • Physician Spotlight across Social Media Channels
None of the bills were passed out of committee.
OTHER Legislation
In our catch all category this year, we’ve included four bills that were discussed with many of our members on multiple occasions. Please provide feedback on the ones that successfully passed. ACT 35 (SB 29) by Sen. Gerald Boudreaux was brought at the request of AORN. As introduced, the bill required licensed healthcare facilities which provide surgical procedures to adopt and implement policies for the use of a surgical smoke plume evacuation system to eliminate the surgical smoke plume. The bill was amended to remove the requirement for special systems.
Please contact Medical Group Engagement Manager, Kristen Broussard, at kbroussard@lsms.org or 225.763.2323 to discuss your Capital Club membership today!
Scan here to view the most recent legislation that affects your practice.
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J LA MED SOC | VOL 175 | SUMMER 2023
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