The House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Miller aims to continue the Health Disparities in Rural Areas Task Force, which was established during the 2022 Regular Session. The task force is tasked with identifying and studying significant health issues affecting rural and underserved communities in Louisiana, particularly in light of the worsening health disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With approximately 26% of Louisiana's population living in rural areas and most parishes classified as health professional shortage areas, the resolution emphasizes the critical need to improve health outcomes in these communities. The task force is required to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the House and Senate committees on health and welfare by February 1, 2025.

The resolution outlines the composition and operational guidelines for the task force, which will include representatives from various health organizations and stakeholders. It mandates that the Statewide Health Equity Consortium reconvene the task force by August 15, 2024, and establishes rules for member attendance and potential removal. The resolution also calls for the dissemination of its findings to key health organizations and stakeholders in Louisiana, reinforcing the state's commitment to addressing health disparities in rural areas and ensuring that local needs are adequately assessed and addressed.