MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Stribling

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That a special study committee is created to make a comprehensive study of the health care certificate of need process in Mississippi and make recommendations concerning any changes that should be made to improve that process. The committee shall be composed of seven (7) members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, and the Chairman of the House Public Health and Welfare Committee or his designee. The chairman of the committee shall be named by the Speaker.

Within fifteen (15) days after sine die adjournment of the 1997 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Speaker shall appoint the members of the committee. After the members are appointed, the committee shall meet on a date designated by the chairman of the committee at the New Capitol, to organize the committee and establish rules for transacting its business and keeping records. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum at all committee meetings. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the committee present and voting shall be required in the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports, and in any other actions taken by the committee. All members of the committee shall be notified in writing of all regular and special meetings of the committee, which notices shall be mailed at least five (5) days before the dates of the meetings.

The committee may establish any subcommittees that it deems desirable to study and report to the committee with respect to any matter that is within the scope of this resolution.

The committee shall make a written report of its findings and recommendations, and shall mail copies of the report to each member of the House of Representatives not later than December 1, 1997.

In carrying out the provisions of this resolution, the committee may utilize the services, facilities and personnel of all departments, agencies, offices and institutions of the state, including the state universities and the community and junior colleges. In particular, the committee shall consult with the State Department of Health and the Division of Medicaid, and the State Department of Health and the Division of Medicaid shall cooperate with the committee and provide the committee with any information and other assistance requested by the committee. The committee may consult and seek advice from various groups in the state in order to understand the effect of any existing laws or any changes in law being considered by the committee.

For attending meetings of the committee, each member shall be paid, from the House Contingent Fund, per diem compensation in the amount authorized by Section 25-3-69 and a mileage allowance and an expense allowance in the amount authorized by Section 5-1-47. However, no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid for attending meetings of the committee while the Legislature is in session, and no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid without prior approval of the House Management Committee.

All expenses incurred by and on behalf of the committee shall be paid from funds made available by the House Management Committee from the House Contingent Fund, from any funds appropriated for the purpose of this resolution, and from any grants or contributions made to the committee for its purpose.