Louisiana House Bill HB852

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

Removes the prohibition against nonaccredited facilities receiving payment from a state agency or Medicaid reimbursement for certain services

Impact

If enacted, HB 852 would significantly alter the landscape of prosthetic and orthotic service provision in Louisiana. It would enable state agencies to procure these services from any facility, regardless of its accreditation status, thereby expanding the number of available providers and potentially alleviating existing shortages in healthcare services for individuals requiring these devices. This is particularly crucial for patients living in rural areas, where access to accredited facilities may be severely limited.

Summary

House Bill 852, introduced by Representative Pugh, aims to amend existing legislation concerning the provision of prosthetic and orthotic services in Louisiana. The bill removes the prohibition against state agencies and the Medicaid program reimbursing nonaccredited facilities for these services. This change seeks to broaden access to care by allowing more facilities to provide necessary support to patients in need of prosthetic and orthotic devices, who may currently be limited to accredited providers only.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 852 appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Supporters argue that the bill will enhance patient access to essential services and reduce costs associated with prolonged rehabilitation due to limited available providers. Conversely, opponents may express concern over the quality and safety of care delivered by nonaccredited facilities, fearing that this could lead to inferior patient outcomes and an increase in state expenditures in the long run.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 852 center around the implications of allowing nonaccredited facilities to accept Medicaid reimbursements. Critics of the bill argue that, despite the short-term benefits of increased access, the long-term ramifications on patient safety, regulatory oversight, and the potential for increased fraud and abuse within the Medicaid program pose significant risks. The debate will likely focus on balancing the need for broader access to prosthetic and orthotic services while ensuring that quality standards are maintained.