Originally published: . Volume 7, No. 5. Source pages: 6.
After significant changes caused by Act 441 in 2015 regarding investigations, the state medical board is again looking at more changes, this time in how its members are chosen. Senate Bill 429 would restructure the process for board nominations. The move prompted a comment by the board’s president to ask that law- makers give the board time to adjust to last years reforms, which included a new Executive Director, separating investigations from the Director’s duties, reorganizing the staff, and new rules relating to complaints and investigations, before another set of changes are imposed.
However, at the Senate Health & Welfare Committee, author Senator Regina Barrow felt that the additional changes were needed.
SB 429 would cause potential board members come from districts and be elected, rather than originate from the three associations. Current law specifies that the medical board be composed of four physicians from the Louisiana State Medical Society, two from the Louisiana Medical Association, and one the Louisiana Academy of Family Practice Physicians.
The measure directs the secretary of the board to issue ballots and conduct counting of votes. The proposed law would also establish specific qualifications for appointees.
At the Senate Health & Welfare Committee meeting on April 27, author Senator Barrow said, “At the end of the day, […] I think this provides fairness and parity as it relates to this particular discipline, as it relates to the make-up of the board.” She said that she had concerns about the board being heavy with those placed by their associations, and none were elected.
Senator Dan Claitor asked, “Who does the medical board supervise?” And the current Executive Director, Mr. Eric Torres, explained that the board includes 16 categories of licensees. He listed acupuncturists, athletic trainers, clinical exercise physiologists, clinical laboratory personnel, medical psychologists, midwives, occupational therapists, and others.
Senator Claitor said, “I appreciate that and understand the way the board’s put together. Its physicians and consumers but none of these other folks that are supervised by the board. Do they have any feelings? Or are they completely comfortable with being the subjects of the physicians?”
Mr. Torres said, “We currently have 10 advisory committees and its my understanding that everyone’s satisfied with how that works, currently.”
Senator Claitor asked Senator Barrow if she had “Heard anything?” She said she had not.
Representatives from the Louisiana Medical Society opposed the measure, but declined to speak. Dr. Jim Taylor, legislative affairs for the Academy of Louisiana Family Physicians did testify, saying that he was concerned how the individuals would be vetted. He also noted his concern that the timing of the bill was “curious,” and noted his concern that it could be it could be “retaliatory.” He did not explain further.
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