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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 201
BY REPRESENTATIVE BROADWATER
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To authorize and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility of
providing a choice of fiscal/employer agents, including a Louisiana-based option, to
Medicaid enrollees who hire a direct service worker as a home-based attendant
through a waiver program administered by the department.
WHEREAS, the office for citizens with developmental disabilities (OCDD) of the
Department of Health and Hospitals is charged with coordinating statewide services in a
manner that is accessible to Louisiana individuals and families who require specialized
supports and services; and
WHEREAS, OCDD is entrusted to ensure that individuals are afforded the
opportunity to live in a safe environment while directing their lives based on their desired
personal outcomes; and
WHEREAS, through the efforts of OCDD, supports and services are provided as a
supplement to natural supports while promoting dignity, quality of life, and security in the
everyday lives of people; and
WHEREAS, OCDD offers community-based services and supports for persons with
disabilities through the Medicaid Home and Community-based Waiver programs; and
WHEREAS, these waiver programs allow Louisiana citizens to have greater
flexibility to choose where they want to live, and the waiver services and supports that best
suit their needs, while still receiving Medicaid State Plan benefits; and
WHEREAS, the office of aging and adult services of the Department of Health and
Hospitals administers home- and community-based long-term care services through various
waiver and state plan programs for individuals who are elderly or have disabilities, assisting
them in their homes and in the community; and ENROLLEDHCR NO. 201
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WHEREAS, a direct service worker is a person who assists an individual to lead a
self-directed life and encourages attitudes and behaviors that contribute to the community;
and
WHEREAS, the self-directed service option available through the department's
waiver programs allows a Medicaid enrollee to choose a direct service worker to provide
necessary services and supports, which maximizes the participant's choice and control over
services and supports; and
WHEREAS, a fiscal/employer agent provides financial management services for
self-directing participants who act as their own employer by assisting with employer payroll
responsibilities, without taking away the right of the participant to exercise self-direction;
and
WHEREAS, a Medicaid enrollee does not currently have the option to choose a
fiscal/employer agent when the enrollee hires a direct service worker; and
WHEREAS, it is important that a Medicaid enrollee feel assured that the
fiscal/employer agent will provide quality, person-centered services that promote
accountability and the use of cost-effective resources to address the personal needs of the
enrollee; and
WHEREAS, allowing a Medicaid enrollee to choose a Louisiana-based
fiscal/employer agent will help stimulate economic growth by providing employment
opportunities within the local community in which the business is established and will
provide a local contact to assist the enrollee with questions and concerns; and
WHEREAS, in a world of rapidly changing health care delivery and financing
systems, it should be the continuing goal of the Department of Health and Hospitals to
develop a system that meets the needs of the participants, and ensures quality and value for
Louisiana citizens who choose to receive services in their community.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
authorize and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the feasibility of
providing a choice of fiscal/employer agents, including a Louisiana-based option, to
Medicaid enrollees who hire a direct service worker as a home-based attendant through a
waiver program administered by the department. ENROLLEDHCR NO. 201
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department shall submit a written report of
its findings and conclusions, including any recommendations for legislation relative to the
issue, to the legislature not later than sixty days prior to the beginning of the 2015 Regular
Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE