Louisiana Senate Bill SCR92

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/11/17
• Refer: 5/15/17

Caption

Requests that the Department of Health study, plan, and report on establishing a nursing facility diversion program for senior and other citizens.

Impact

The bill poses significant implications for state healthcare policies and the operational dynamics of nursing facilities. By potentially reallocating resources and support toward community-based care models, SCR92 aims to reduce the over-reliance on institutionalization for individuals with mental illness, facilitating a transition towards more independent living arrangements. Implementing such a diversion program could alleviate the pressures on nursing facilities, which currently serve approximately 4,000 individuals with serious mental illness in isolated settings. Moreover, the resolution highlights the state's systemic failures in transitioning individuals to community support, risking future litigation if reforms are not enacted.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 92 (SCR92) seeks to address the challenges faced by individuals with serious mental illness who are currently institutionalized in nursing facilities across Louisiana. Proposed by Senator Milkovich, the resolution urges the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a study on nursing facility diversion program models. The goal is to develop a statewide implementation plan that enables senior citizens and others to remain in their own homes, while educating them about community services and available financial supports. This initiative is in response to findings by the United States Department of Justice that Louisiana is not complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that individuals with disabilities receive services in the most integrated settings appropriate to their needs.

Sentiment

Reactions to SCR92 have been largely supportive among mental health advocates and community service organizations, who view the resolution as a necessary step towards improving care provision. Proponents argue that enhancing community support can lead to better health outcomes and a more humane approach to service delivery for individuals with mental health issues. However, there is concern from some legislators regarding the adequacy of funding and the feasibility of implementing such a comprehensive diversion program amid existing state budget constraints.

Contention

The main points of contention center around the practicality and funding of the proposed diversion program. Critics express doubts about the state's capacity to effectively execute the plan without significant investment in community services and supports. Furthermore, there are fears that without robust oversight and adequate funding, the plan could fail to deliver the necessary resources for successful implementation, thus maintaining the status quo of institutionalization rather than achieving the intended reforms.