House Resolution No. by Representative Taylor urges the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a feasibility study on the establishment of an inpatient hospital in St. John the Baptist Parish. The resolution highlights the historical context of healthcare in the area, noting that River Parishes Hospital was converted into a psychiatric facility after its acquisition by Ochsner Health System, leaving the nearest inpatient hospital over eighteen miles away in Kenner, Louisiana. This lack of local emergency and inpatient services has negatively impacted the health outcomes of residents, necessitating transportation to distant facilities during emergencies.

The resolution calls for the study to consider several factors, including the distance from major population centers to the nearest hospital, community demographics, the fiscal implications of opening a new hospital, and the overall need for inpatient medical care in the area. The Louisiana Department of Health is required to submit a report summarizing its findings to the House and Senate committees on health and welfare by February 1, 2025. The resolution emphasizes the importance of accessible healthcare for the residents of St. John the Baptist Parish and the potential benefits of a new hospital, including job creation and community growth.