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Panel approves 4‑year extension of Louisiana nursing‑home moratorium after amendment to study regional needs
Summary
The Senate Health & Welfare Committee reported House Bill 199 favorable as amended, extending the moratorium on new nursing‑home beds for four years while directing the Louisiana Department of Health to collect regional data under an adopted amendment. Supporters cited low occupancy and workforce shortages; the Pelican Institute urged rejection, warning the policy limits supply and choice.
Wes Hathaway, representing the Louisiana Nursing Home Association, told the Senate Health & Welfare Committee on April 21 that House Bill 199 would extend the state’s moratorium on new nursing‑home facilities and beds for four years to continue a long‑running “right‑sizing” effort.
Hathaway said occupancy rates at the state and national level remain low and Louisiana faces severe staffing challenges — noting 4,519 registered‑nurse openings advertised on the Louisiana Star Jobs site the morning of the hearing — and that adding beds now would further strain the workforce.
The committee adopted a floor amendment (Amendment 2463) that requires the Louisiana Department of Health to collect regional data and report back so legislators can evaluate whether the moratorium remains necessary in specific areas. The chair announced the amendment was adopted without objection, and later reported HB199 favorable as amended.
Laurie Adams of the Pelican Institute for Public Policy testified in opposition, arguing the moratorium restricts supply, shields incumbents from competition and could reduce options for families as Louisiana’s 65‑and‑older population grows. Adams cited state projections that the 65+ population will approach 20 percent of residents and referenced federal and research estimates of future long‑term care needs.
Committee members questioned how LDH would monitor workforce impacts and regional demand. Senator Presley moved to report the bill favorable as amended; after procedural clarification and a list of persons in favor who waived speaking time, the chair announced the measure would be reported favorable as amended.
What’s next: HB199 will be placed on the committee report and move toward the next stage of the legislative process with the amendment in place.
