House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Echols urges the Louisiana Department of Health to continue a task force dedicated to studying and addressing the shortage of specialist physicians in the state. The resolution highlights the significant disparity in physician availability between rural and urban areas, with rural regions having a notably lower number of physicians per capita. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the current physician workforce, including their specialties and geographic distribution, to effectively meet the healthcare needs of Louisiana residents.

The task force is tasked with analyzing various factors related to physician supply and demand, reviewing best practices from other states, and making recommendations to improve physician recruitment and retention. It will consist of representatives from various health and educational organizations, and it is expected to submit a report of its findings and recommendations by February 1, 2025. The resolution also calls for the Louisiana Department of Health to provide support for the task force's operations, ensuring that it can effectively gather and analyze the necessary data to address the physician shortage in the state.