Louisiana House Bill HR291

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/19
• Passed: 6/5/19

Caption

Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to study issues related to outpatient substance use treatment and providers

Impact

If enacted, the recommendations from the study could lead to significant changes in how outpatient substance use treatments are funded and organized across Louisiana. The resolution suggests several approaches to enhance service delivery, including the establishment of 'preferred provider' designations for high-quality care in outpatient services, exploring Medicaid reimbursements for care coordination, and evaluating reimbursement rates to ensure they are adequate to encourage provider participation. This could create a more comprehensive framework for treating substance use disorders and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Summary

House Resolution 291 urges the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a study aimed at increasing access to outpatient substance use treatment, which includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The resolution emphasizes the importance of providing ongoing support to individuals recovering from addiction in a non-residential setting, particularly for those transitioning from residential treatment programs. The outcomes of the study are expected to be reported back to the House Committee on Health and Welfare by March 1, 2020, outlining specific recommendations for improving access to these critical services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR 291 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a united legislative effort to address the opioid crisis and improve access to essential treatments for substance use disorders. The resolution received unanimous support during the voting process, indicating that legislators across the board acknowledge the need for better outpatient services for addiction recovery. The cooperative nature of this initiative underscores a broader commitment to public health and the welfare of communities struggling with addiction.

Contention

There may be contention regarding the specifics of the study and how the findings are implemented, particularly concerning funding mechanisms and the designation of preferred providers. While there is strong support for enhancing outpatient treatment, concerns could arise around the equity of access, the effectiveness of proposed reimbursement rates, and how well these services will be integrated into existing healthcare frameworks. Local providers may have differing views on the practical implications of the changes suggested in the resolution.