Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 6. Source pages: 7.
Rep. Denise Marcelle's HB 193, to create the office on women's health within the La. Department of Health, finally cleared the House on May 27 with amendments and a vote of 98 to 0. It is scheduled and referred to Senate Health and Welfare.
The proposed law provides that the office shall be responsible for leading, consolidating, and coordinating efforts across the state that are intended to improve women's health outcomes through policy, education, evidence-based practices, programs, and services.
The proposed law provides that the office on women's health shall perform all of the following functions:
(1) Educate and advocate for women's health, either on its own or in partnership with other entities, by establishing appropriate forums, programs, or initiatives designed to educate the public regarding women's health, with an emphasis on preventive health and healthy lifestyles.
(2) Identify, coordinate, and establish priorities for programs, services, and resources for women's health issues and concerns.
(3) Serve as a clearinghouse and resource regarding women's health data, strategies, services, and programs that address women's health issues.
(4) Collect, classify, and analyze relevant information and data resulting from research conducted or compiled by LDH and any collaborative entities; provide information to the public regarding the results of such research except as prohibited by law.
(5) Develop and recommend funding and program activities for educating the public on women's health initiatives relating to social determinants of health.
(6) Make recommendations to the secretary of LDH concerning programs that address women's health issues for inclusion in the department's budget and strategic planning.
(7) Seek funding from private or other governmental entities to carry out the purposes provided in proposed law.
(8) Prepare for publication and dissemination to the public materials regarding women's health.
(9) Conduct public educational forums in La. to raise public awareness and to educate citizens about women's health programs, issues, and services.
(10) Coordinate the activities and programs of the office with other entities that focus on women's health or women's issues.
(11) Provide an annual report to the governor, the legislature, and the secretary of LDH concerning the priorities and services needed for women's health in this state and areas for improvement.
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