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House committee backs bill to change composition of Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
Summary
The House Committee on Health and Welfare voted to report HB 138 favorable with amendments after debate on shifting appointment authority, adding one board seat and requiring geographic representation from Medicaid districts.
The House Committee on Health and Welfare voted May 14 to report House Bill 138 favorable with amendments after members debated changes to how the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners is composed and appointed.
The bill, presented by Representative Egan on behalf of sponsor Representative DeWitt, would increase the board from 10 to 11 voting members, require a member selected from a list submitted by the Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants, and realign membership so appointments reflect the state's nine Medicaid districts. “The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners will consist of 11 voting members, all appointed by the governor, and that's 1 of the essential changes and subject to senate confirmation,” Surgeon General Ralph Abraham told the committee.
Committee discussion focused on who should nominate members and whether physician groups should keep a formal nominating role. Doctor Collotta, speaking for the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, described the board’s current composition as nine physicians and one public member and said certain physician groups presently nominate slots. “Right now the board is composed of 9 physicians and 1 public member,” Collotta said. Representative Stagney asked for more time to let medical societies review a recently filed amendment, noting the amendment “is a radical change on how the medical board is appointed.”
Supporters said the change would broaden geographic representation. Abraham said appointing members from each Medicaid district would “provide much better representation for the citizens of Louisiana and for the physicians of the state.” Opponents cautioned that replacing existing nomination pathways could eliminate professional input into appointments; Rep. Barroque asked whether physicians would still “have any input at all” and was told appointments would be made by the governor.
Outcome: Representative Echols moved to report HB 138 favorable with amendments; the committee recorded no objections and the bill was reported favorable. The committee record shows the sponsor and administration are willing to work with physician groups between committee and the House floor.
What’s next: HB 138 was reported out of committee; supporters said they will consider additional language on nomination processes before the full House vote.
