The debate over whether LSU hospital in Shreveport will be sold or privatized is continuing to raise concerns among local leaders.

State Representative Barbara Norton held a press conference Friday morning on the steps of the hospital.  She urged her legislators to sign a petition, as an agreement to hold a special session in Baton Rouge concerning the future of the hospital.

Norton also questioned whether the Governor Bobby Jindal's administration has authority in the matter.

"I want to know if the governor can privatize LSU without the legislature, without our voice, without our vote, I want to know that," said Norton.

Other local lawmakers voiced decisions they hope come to fruition when it comes to the hospitals future.

State Senator Gregory Tarver has made several trips over the past few months to Baton Rouge to discuss the topic with administrators.  He says putting the hospital under what is known as a 501 3-C would be the most feasible option.

"A non-profit, just like Willis Knighton, just like Schumpert is a non-profit, we at LSU want to become a non-profit," said Tarver.

Tarver says that would allow the profit made to be put back into the hospital, instead of going directly to the state.

State Senator Robert Adley says other means have also been purposed in determining the future of LSU hospital.

"I've heard is a discussion about a program where public and private would come together to help better manage the facility," said Adley.

The hospital is currently faced with a $46 million budget deficit it was accrued in the past year.  The dire straits have left community members and employees wondering what is next. 

Lawmakers say they want to ensure that any change doesn't harm the mission of the local campus.

"That hospital needs to continue, that hospital has been a leader, it will continue to be a leader," said Adley.

"The public should not be concerned, number one that people are going to be taken care of medically," added Tarver.

The LSU Board of Supervisors will meet next week in Baton Rouge to further discuss the matter.  Both Adley and Tarver will not be able to attend the meeting.