House Bill No. 926, introduced by Representative Zeringue, seeks to regulate the establishment and operation of healthcare facilities within hospital service districts in Louisiana by enacting R.S. 46:1069.2. The bill mandates that any healthcare facility owned or controlled by a hospital service district or its affiliates must obtain consent from the relevant hospital service district prior to establishment. It defines key terms such as "affiliate" and "healthcare facility," and outlines the procedures for providing notice and obtaining consent. Notably, the bill prohibits hospital service districts from operating facilities outside their geographic boundaries without the necessary consent, ensuring that local governance and community consent are prioritized.

Furthermore, the bill requires that a hospital service district provide written notice to the affected district at least 120 days before any actions related to the establishment of a healthcare facility, detailing the proposed facility's location, services, and staffing. It establishes a waiting period during which no applications for permits or licenses can be filed until the notice period has elapsed, emphasizing that prior approvals do not exempt compliance with these new requirements. The legislation also allows for a private right of action for hospital service districts to enforce these provisions, while existing healthcare facilities operational before the bill's effective date are exempt from the new regulations. Overall, the bill aims to foster cooperation among hospital service districts and regulate the expansion of healthcare services within their territories.