The House Health & Welfare Committee of the Louisiana Legislature convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss several key health-related legislative measures. The meeting began with the acknowledgment of four individuals who opted not to speak, followed by a motion from Representative Chasson to report Senate Bill 120 favorably, which passed without objection.

Next, Senator Pressley’s Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 was presented, urging Congress to address the burdensome prior authorization process that affects patient care in Louisiana. The committee unanimously supported this resolution, highlighting the need for federal action on the issue.

The committee then moved on to House Concurrent Resolution 55, introduced by Chairman Miller. This resolution aims to extend the work of the health disparities task force focused on rural areas, allowing them to continue identifying and addressing key health issues until February 1, 2026. The motion to report this resolution favorably also passed without objections.

Following this, Doctor Veronica Galicie Bell presented Senate Bill 174 on behalf of Senator Jackson Andrews. This bill mandates comprehensive screenings for pregnant women, including tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and substance use disorders. Doctor Bell emphasized the high rates of congenital syphilis and chlamydia in Louisiana, advocating for the bill as a preventive measure to improve maternal and child health outcomes. The committee adopted technical amendments to the bill and reported it favorably.

Lastly, the committee addressed Senate Concurrent Resolution 27, presented by Chairman McMath, which calls on Congress to examine the corporate practice of medicine in Louisiana. This resolution also received unanimous support from the committee.

In summary, the meeting focused on advancing several health initiatives aimed at improving care and addressing disparities in Louisiana, with all discussed measures receiving favorable reports. The committee's actions reflect a commitment to enhancing health outcomes for vulnerable populations in the state.