Healthcare workers in Shreveport and Monroe are taking Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, St Mary Medical Center and Ochsner LSU Health Monroe to court over mandates by those facilities to be vaccinated. Plaintiffs’ attorney Jimmy Faircloth says the suit seeks to enforce the affirmative right under Louisiana law to refuse medical treatment. He says there is no legal backing for the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers and hospital staff…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…health care decisions”

The lawsuits filed today seek a temporary restraining order and injunction to prevent the Ochsner mandate.

Meanwhile Ochsner Health Systems will begin charging employees an additional $200 a month to cover adult dependents on their insurance plan who have not been vaccinated. That’s an extra $2400 a year, starting in January. This fee is similar to what’s been in place for tobacco users and is in line with the benefits offered by many healthcare organizations and companies.

Louisiana joins an international campaign to commit to zero greenhouse gas emissions; the so-called “Race to Zero” campaign. Last year, the Governor signed an executive order committing the state to zero greenhouse gases by 2050. He’s also launched a Climate Initiatives Task Force…:

CUT 13  (12)        “…get there”

Sixteen hospitals in the state that deliver babies have met new standards designed to improve the state’s poor maternal death rate. Medical Director of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative Dr. Veronica Gillespie-Bell says they are working to reduce maternal death rates in which hypertension and hemorrhage are the leading causes. So, does this mean mothers should avoid UN-designated birthing hospitals in Louisiana?  Dr. Bell says not necessarily…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…maternal outcomes”