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Committee removes exemption to require 24/7 obstetric anesthesia at certain hospitals
Summary
House Bill 314 was advanced to remove a longstanding population-based exemption so hospitals designated as Level 3 offering obstetric care provide 24/7 obstetric anesthesia services, supporters said this could improve maternal outcomes in Louisiana.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee reported House Bill 314 favorable after sponsors said the measure would strengthen access to obstetric anesthesia at hospitals that provide obstetric services.
Chairman Miller said Louisiana ranks among the top five states for maternal mortality and described HB 314 as a statutory cleanup that removes a provision allowing hospitals in parishes under 250,000 population to be exempt from requiring 24/7 obstetric anesthesia when they identify as providing Level 3 obstetric care. He described the change as intended to improve quality and safety of maternal care, particularly in rural “maternity care deserts.”
Juliette Sasse, chief medical officer for the Office of Public Health and a practicing emergency physician, told the committee the bill updates older language and aligns with national pushes to ensure 24/7 access to obstetric anesthesia in hospitals where it is expected. Sponsor testimony noted that the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) would work with affected hospitals on cost and implementation issues.
Senator Presley moved to report HB 314 favorable; with no objections the committee reported the bill favorable by voice consent. The bill removes a statutory exemption but does not specify specific appropriations in the committee hearing.
