HLS 12RS-2249 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 1139
BY REPRESENTATIVE BARROW
MENTAL HEALTH: Requires that DHH preserve mental health services when the
department experiences a reduction to its budget
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 36:254(A)(15), relative to powers and duties of the secretary of the2
Department of Health and Hospitals; to provide for preservation of certain services3
funded or otherwise provided by the Department of Health and Hospitals; and to4
provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 36:254(A)(15) is hereby enacted to read as follows:7
ยง254. Powers and duties of the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals8
A. In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise vested in the9
secretary by law, he shall:10
* * *11
(15) Ensure that mental health programs and services funded or otherwise12
provided by the department are preserved to the greatest possible extent whenever13
the department experiences a reduction to its budget.14
* * *15 HLS 12RS-2249 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 1139
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Barrow HB No. 1139
Abstract: Requires that the Dept. of Health and Hospitals (DHH) preserve mental health
services when the department makes cuts in funding to programs pursuant to budget
reductions.
Present law provides for the functions, powers, and duties of the secretary of DHH.
Proposed law requires the secretary of DHH to ensure that mental health programs and
services funded or otherwise provided by the department are preserved to the greatest
possible extent whenever the department experiences a reduction to its budget.
(Adds R.S. 36:254(A)(15))