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SR 198

HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to submit a report relative to the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Mizell

LDH must report proposed FY2026-27 RHTP expenditures by Oct 15, 2026 and actual 2026-27 plus proposed 2027-28 expenditures by Nov 1, 2027, with recipients, amounts, outcomes, and p

Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time by title and adopted.
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Bill Summary · SR 198

Overview

Senate Resolution 198 (SR 198), sponsored by Sen. Beth Mizell, urges the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to report on the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The resolution requests two specific reports and emphasizes transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes related to the use of federal funds intended to improve rural health in Louisiana.

Purpose and Intent

  • Highlight the scope and potential impact of the Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federally funded initiative aimed at expanding healthcare access and improving health outcomes in rural Louisiana.
  • Ensure full transparency and accountability in managing a substantial federal investment (initially awarded $208.4 million for the first year, with an estimated $1.4 billion over the grant period).
  • Promote information sharing with the Senate on expenditures, recipients, benchmarks, and progress toward improving rural health outcomes.

Key Provisions and Requirements

SR 198 directs LDH to prepare and submit two reports:

1) Report on proposed federal FY 2026-2027 expenditures
- Deadline: No later than October 15, 2026.
- Content: Proposed program expenditures for the Rural Health Transformation Program for the federal fiscal year 2026-2027.

2) Report on actual and proposed expenditures
- Deadline: No later than November 1, 2027.
- Content:
- Actual program expenditures for federal FY 2026-2027.
- Proposed program expenditures for federal FY 2027-2028.
- Additional details required in both reports:
- Identification of recipients of funding and the amount allocated to each.
- Measurable outcomes and benchmarks.
- Progress in improving rural health outcomes.

Affected Parties

  • Louisiana Department of Health (LDH): Primary entity responsible for compiling and submitting the reports.
  • Rural health stakeholders in Louisiana: Includes rural healthcare providers, organizations, and partners participating in or benefiting from the RHTP.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

  • The RHTP is described as a five-year federal program with significant funding to be administered by LDH and partners (e.g., Rural Tech Catalyst Fund in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development).
  • Federal funds must be obligated and used in accordance with federal requirements, with funds typically required to be spent by the end of the federal fiscal year following the year of allotment.
  • This resolution does not create new law or spending authorizations; it formalizes oversight reporting to the Senate.

Potential Impact and Implications

  • Enhances transparency and accountability for a large, multi-year federal investment in rural health.
  • Enables the Louisiana Senate to monitor funding recipients, expenditures, and progress toward concrete health outcomes in rural communities.
  • Facilitates data-driven assessment of the RHTP’s effectiveness and alignment with statewide health goals.
  • Could inform future policy decisions or adjustments in the administration of the RHTP based on reported performance.

Summary

SR 198 urges LDH to provide two targeted reports regarding the Rural Health Transformation Program: (1) proposed 2026-2027 expenditures by October 15, 2026, and (2) actual 2026-2027 expenditures plus proposed 2027-2028 expenditures by November 1, 2027. Reports should list funding recipients and amounts, outcomes and benchmarks, and progress in rural health improvements. The resolution underscores transparency and accountability for a major federal investment intended to transform rural health in Louisiana.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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