HOSPITALS: Provides for the creation of a hospital service district

HB 144 creates a framework for Louisiana parishes to establish hospital service districts, allowing local governing bodies to form or combine districts to manage hospital operations. It establishes a 5-member commission appointed by parish authorities to oversee district duties, including advising on hospital operations and entering service agreements with licensed contractors. The bill permits districts to contract directly with healthcare providers under specific conditions, though this exception does not apply in Lafourche, Terrebonne parishes, or Jefferson Parish Ward 11. These districts would directly affect local hospitals and parish governance structures in Louisiana.