RDCSB443 1194 4747
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)]
SB 443 Reengrossed 2016 Regular Session Hewitt
Present law provides the duties of the Health and Social Services Estimating Conference to
be developing official information relating to the health and social service system of the
state, including forecasts of social and health service caseloads, as the conference determines
is needed for the state planning and budgeting system.
Present law provides for the principals of the Conference as:
(1)A member of the professional staff of the office of the governor to be appointed by
the governor.
(2)A member of the professional staff of the division of administration to be appointed
by the commissioner of administration.
(3)A member of the professional staff of the legislature who shall have fiscal expertise
to be appointed by the president of the Senate.
(4)A member of the professional staff of the legislature who shall have fiscal expertise
to be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.
(5)A member of the professional staff of the Department of Health and Hospitals
(DHH) who shall have forecasting expertise to be appointed by the secretary of
DHH.
(6)A member of the professional staff of the Department of Children and Family
Services (DCFS) who shall have forecasting expertise to be appointed by the
secretary of DCFS.
Proposed law retains present law and adds as principals to the conference:
(1)The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, or his designee.
(2)The chairman of the House Committee on Health and Welfare, or his designee.
(3) The chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, or his designee.
(4) The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, or his designee.
(5)The secretary of DHH, or his designee.
(6)The secretary of DCFS, or his designee.
(7)The legislative fiscal officer, or his designee who shall have health care experience.
(8)A faculty member specializing in health care economics from a public or private
university in the state, selected by the other principal members from a list submitted
by the Board of Regents.
Present law provides that the principal representing the office of the governor shall preside
over sessions of the conference. Proposed law provides for the chairmanship to rotate
annually among the four legislative committee chairmen serving as principals.
Page 1 of 3 RDCSB443 1194 4747
Proposed law further requires the conference to meet at least quarterly to receive information
from the Medicaid Subcommittee.
Proposed law provides for a Medicaid Subcommittee of the conference responsible for
developing forecasts and reviewing information related to the Medicaid Program, including
the number of Medicaid enrollees, eligibility criteria, rate of utilization and growth in the
cost of services, provider reimbursement methodologies, and the factors used in developing
the per-member-per-month premiums paid to the Medicaid managed care companies.
Proposed law provides for the membership of the Medicaid Subcommittee as follows:
(1)A member of the professional staff of the division of administration to be appointed
by the commissioner of administration.
(2)A member of the professional staff of the legislature who shall have fiscal expertise
to be appointed by the president of the Senate.
(3)A member of the professional staff of the legislature who shall have fiscal expertise
to be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.
(4)A member of the professional staff of DHH who shall have forecasting expertise to
be appointed by the secretary of DHH.
(5)The legislative fiscal officer, or his designee who shall have health care experience.
(6)The faculty member specializing in health care economics selected by members of
the conference.
Proposed law provides that the chairmanship of the subcommittee shall rotate biennially
among the professional legislative staff appointed by the president of the Senate and the
speaker of the House of Representatives.
Proposed law provides that the subcommittee shall meet as follows:
(1)In September, to establish an initial forecast for the ensuing fiscal year which shall
be utilized by the Department of Health and Hospitals in formulating its budget
request.
(2)In December, to revise the forecast for the ensuing fiscal year which shall be utilized
in the preparation of the executive budget recommendations by the state budget
office.
(3) In April, to revise the forecast for the ensuing fiscal year which shall be utilized by
the legislature in its adoption of a state budget for the ensuing fiscal year.
(4)In July, to discuss the forecast for the current fiscal year as compared to the current
year appropriation.
Proposed law authorizes the subcommittee to review any aspects of the Medicaid program
as provided for in proposed law. Further authorizes any principal of the conference to
request that the subcommittee meet to discuss a specific issue. Requires the subcommittee
to submit a summary report to the conference of topics discussed and any actions taken.
Effective August 1, 2016.
(Amends R.S. 39:21.3(E)(2) and (3); adds R.S. 39:21.3(E)(4))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Provides for two additional principals of the conference.
Page 2 of 3 RDCSB443 1194 4747
2. Establishes a Medicaid Subcommittee and provides for its responsibilities
and its membership.
3. Adds a July meeting date and its purpose for the subcommittee.
4. Provides for chairmanship of the conference and the subcommittee.
5. Removes effectiveness of proposed law upon signature of the governor
(emergency clause).
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Appropriations to the
reengrossed bill:
1. Add requirement that conference meet at least quarterly to receive information
from the Medicaid Subcommittee.
Page 3 of 3