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HR 298

HEALTH: Requests a study by the Louisiana Department of Health and legislative auditor regarding nongovernmental entities (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beryl Amedée

LDH must study and report on its relationships with covered NGOs, detailing finance, roles, benefits, and potential cost savings to improve transparency and accountability.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.
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Bill Summary · HR 298

Summary of HR 298 (2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and intent

  • HR 298 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), in coordination with the Legislative Auditor, to conduct a study and prepare a written report evaluating LDH’s relationships with certain nongovernmental entities.
  • The goal is to understand how these relationships may influence departmental policy, operations, or internal governance, and to assess alignment with state law, appropriations intent, and potential efficiency or cost-savings opportunities.
  • The measure emphasizes transparency, accountability, and safeguarding public trust in public health decision-making.

Key provisions and requirements

  • Definitions:

    • A “covered entity” is a nongovernmental organization that satisfies any of the following: 1) Registered as a nonprofit with the secretary of state. 2) Registered as a 501(c)(3) with the IRS. 3) Has requested and received a legislative appropriation. 4) Presents itself as a nonprofit in public-facing materials.

  • Study scope and content (minimum requirements for the report):

    • An inventory of covered entity relationships, including for each entity:
    • Name and description of the entity.
    • Nature and purpose of the relationship.
    • LDH divisions, offices, or programs involved.
    • Roles or responsibilities of LDH personnel related to the relationship.
    • Disaggregated financial accounting for each covered entity for the most recent full fiscal year, including:
    • Membership dues or fees paid by LDH.
    • Travel, lodging, conference, or related expenses.
    • Staff time or personnel resources devoted to association-related activities.
    • Consulting, training, or technical assistance expenditures.
    • Grants, pass-through funds, or other public expenditures related to participation.
    • Federal or other external funding obtained through or facilitated by the entity (including any matching funds).
    • Any other partnerships, programs, or revenue streams tied to the relationship.
    • A cost-benefit summary for each covered entity, assessing:
    • Whether the relationship facilitates access to external funding.
    • Whether it provides operationally necessary technical assistance or support.
    • Whether the relationship could be reduced or discontinued without materially impacting LDH operations.

  • Roles of the Legislative Auditor:

    • The Legislative Auditor will assist LDH as needed with compiling, reviewing, and verifying financial components.

  • Reporting timeline and process:

    • The LDH must submit the report to the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library no later than February 1, 2027.
    • The House Committee on Health and Welfare must convene a hearing within 30 days after the report’s due date. LDH leadership (secretary or designee) must appear to present and answer questions.
    • If LDH cannot submit by the deadline, LDH must provide a written status update by the due date, including progress and a proposed completion timeline, and still appear at the hearing to discuss the status.
    • If the initial report identifies concerns about alignment with state law, appropriations intent, or cost-effectiveness, LDH must provide a follow-up report within 90 days after the joint hearing detailing:
    • Actions taken or planned to address identified concerns.
    • Changes to department policies, contracts, or relationships with covered entities.
    • Any projected cost savings or reallocations of funds resulting from those changes.

  • Public disclosure:

    • The report and related data, methodologies, assumptions, and limitations must be included.

Who is affected

  • LDH: Includes its various divisions, offices, and programs that interact with nongovernmental entities.
  • Covered entities: Nongovernmental organizations that are nonprofits, 501(c)(3)s, have sought or received state appropriations, or present themselves as nonprofits.
  • The Louisiana Legislature: Specifically the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the Legislative Research Library (David R. Poynter) will receive the report and hold a hearing.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Amendments or updates:
    • If timing slips, a status report and continued appearances at hearings are required.
    • A follow-up report may be required within 90 days after the initial joint hearing if concerns are identified.
  • Reporting deadline:
    • February 1, 2027, for the initial report.
  • Hearing:
    • The House Committee on Health and Welfare must hold a hearing within 30 days after the report due date.

Practical implications

  • Aimed at increasing transparency around LDH’s financial and operational relationships with NGOs, foundations, nonprofits, and professional associations.
  • Could influence future governance, contracting, and collaboration practices if concerns about alignment with state law or cost-effectiveness are identified.
  • May prompt LDH to reevaluate or reorganize partnerships to improve efficiency and accountability.

Sponsor: Rep. Beryl Amedée (Co-sponsor listed)

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

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