HLS 14RS-4772 ENGROSSED
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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 201
BY REPRESENTATIVE BROADWATER
HEALTH SERVICES: Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the
feasibility of providing Medicaid enrollees with a choice of fiscal/employer agents
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To authorize and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility of2
providing a choice of fiscal/employer agents, including a Louisiana-based option, to3
Medicaid enrollees who hire a direct service worker as a home-based attendant4
through a waiver program administered by the department.5
WHEREAS, the office for citizens with developmental disabilities (OCDD) of the6
Department of Health and Hospitals is charged with coordinating statewide services in a7
manner that is accessible to Louisiana individuals and families who require specialized8
supports and services; and9
WHEREAS, OCDD is entrusted to ensure that individuals are afforded the10
opportunity to live in a safe environment while directing their lives based on their desired11
personal outcomes; and12
WHEREAS, through the efforts of OCDD, supports and services are provided as a13
supplement to natural supports while promoting dignity, quality of life, and security in the14
everyday lives of people; and15
WHEREAS, OCDD offers community-Based services and supports for persons with16
disabilities through the Medicaid Home and Community-based Waiver programs; and17
WHEREAS, these waiver programs allow Louisiana citizens to have greater18
flexibility to choose where they want to live, and the waiver services and supports that best19
suit their needs, while still receiving Medicaid State Plan benefits; and20 HLS 14RS-4772 ENGROSSED
HCR NO. 201
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WHEREAS, the office of aging and adult services of the Department of Health and1
Hospitals administers home- and community-based long-term care services through various2
waiver and state plan programs for individuals who are elderly or have disabilities, assisting3
them in their homes and in the community; and4
WHEREAS, a direct service worker is a person who assists an individual to lead a5
self-directed life and encourages attitudes and behaviors that contribute to the community;6
and 7
WHEREAS, the self-directed service option available through the department's8
waiver programs allows a Medicaid enrollee to choose a direct service worker to provide9
necessary services and supports, which maximizes the participant's choice and control over10
services and supports; and11
WHEREAS, a fiscal/employer agent provides financial management services for12
self-directing participants who act as their own employer by assisting with employer payroll13
responsibilities, without taking away the right of the participant to exercise self-direction;14
and15
WHEREAS, a Medicaid enrollee does not currently have the option to choose a16
fiscal/employer agent when the enrollee hires a direct service worker; and17
WHEREAS, it is important that a Medicaid enrollee feel assured that the18
fiscal/employer agent will provide quality, person-centered services that promote19
accountability and the use of cost-effective resources to address the personal needs of the20
enrollee; and21
WHEREAS, allowing a Medicaid enrollee to choose a Louisiana-based22
fiscal/employer agent will help stimulate economic growth by providing employment23
opportunities within the local community in which the business is established and will24
provide a local contact to assist the enrollee with questions and concerns; and25
WHEREAS, in a world of rapidly changing health care delivery and financing26
systems, it should be the continuing goal of the Department of Health and Hospitals to27
develop a system that meets the needs of the participants, and ensures quality and value for28
Louisiana citizens who choose to receive services in their community.29 HLS 14RS-4772 ENGROSSED
HCR NO. 201
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby1
authorize and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility of2
providing a choice of fiscal/employer agents, including a Louisiana-based option, to3
Medicaid enrollees who hire a direct service worker as a home-based attendant through a4
waiver program administered by the department.5
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department shall submit a written report of6
its findings and conclusions, including any recommendations for legislation relative to the7
issue, to the legislature not later than sixty days prior to the beginning of the 2015 Regular8
Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.9
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the10
secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.11
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)]
Broadwater HCR No. 201
Requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility of providing a choice of
fiscal/employer agents, including a La.-based option, to Medicaid enrollees who hire a direct
service worker as a home-based attendant through a waiver program administered by the
department.