2011 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 40 — Public health and safety
RS 40:2801 — Interagency task force on the future of family medicine; creation; definitions

CHAPTER 30. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON THE

FUTURE OF FAMILY MEDICINE

§2801. Interagency Task Force on the Future of Family Medicine; creation; definitions

A. Not later than December 1, 2004, the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals shall establish the task force on the future of family medicine to assist the department and other appropriate health and human service agencies in this state in studying and finding strategies to eliminate the significant health care shortage, especially in the rural and inner city areas, manifested as a lack of access to primary health care.

B. Definitions

For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) "Department" means the Department of Health and Hospitals.

(2) "Family (practice) medicine" means the medical specialty which provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family in the context of community. It is the specialty in breadth which integrates the biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences. The scope of family practice encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system, and every disease entity. This care emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion. The family physician refers the patient when indicated to other sources and resources of care while preserving continuity of care. The family physician's role as a cost-effective coordinator of the patient's health services is integral to the care provided.

(3) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.

(4) "Task force" means the Interagency Task Force on the Future of Family Medicine.

Acts 2004, No. 187, §1.