Louisiana House Bill HCR138

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/11/12
• Refer: 5/14/12

Caption

Directs the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to require accreditation of home-and community-based service providers

Impact

The passage of HCR138 is expected to stabilize costs associated with home-and community-based care while improving the overall quality of services. By requiring accreditation, the bill aims to enhance program integrity and ensure that providers meet established standards. This approach mirrors actions taken in other states facing similar challenges, potentially setting a precedent for other legislative initiatives aiming at improving healthcare service delivery in Louisiana.

Summary

HCR138 directs the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to mandate that providers of home- and community-based services obtain accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the department, starting January 1, 2013. This legislation arises as a response to the significant rise in expenditures for home-and community-based services, which have been a growing budget concern for the state. With over nine hundred licensed providers, the department faces challenges in monitoring the quality of care provided, leading to increased utilization and costs despite previous cost containment measures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR138 appears to be mostly supportive among legislators, particularly those concerned with the rising costs in the health budget and the lack of oversight with the current system. Advocates for the elderly and disabled recognize the necessity of ensuring high-quality care, though there may be concerns from some providers about the implications of additional requirements for accreditation. The discussion reflects a balance between improving service quality and addressing the financial constraints of state healthcare funding.

Contention

While HCR138 is largely aimed at enhancing the quality of services for vulnerable populations, there may be discussions around the feasibility and impact of accreditation requirements on smaller or less resourced providers. Some stakeholders could argue that the emphasis on accreditation might disproportionately affect fewer providers, potentially leading to reduced service availability in certain regions. This contention points to the broader challenge of ensuring equitable access to healthcare services while maintaining quality standards.