2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 40:1300.111 — Findings

PART L.  HEALTH CARE DATA REPORTING

§1300.111.  Findings

The legislature finds that as a result of rising health care costs, the shortage of health professionals and health care services in many areas of the state, and the concerns expressed by health care providers, consumers, third party payers, and others involved with planning for the provision of health care, there is an urgent need to understand patterns and trends in the availability, use, and charges for these services and the associated health circumstances.  Therefore, in order to establish an information base for patients, health care professionals, and hospitals to improve the appropriate and efficient usage of health care services, and to provide for appropriate protection for confidentiality and privacy, the Department of Health and Hospitals, office of public health, as the recognized state center for health statistics, shall act as a state health care data clearinghouse for the acquisition and dissemination of data from state agencies, state licensed health care facilities, and other appropriate sources to carry out the purposes of this Part.

Acts 1997, No. 622, §1, eff. July 3, 1997.