Louisiana Senate Bill SR272

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/19
• Passed: 6/6/19

Caption

Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to establish a four-bed peer group for intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities.

Impact

Establishing a four-bed peer group would not only help ensure that ICF/DDs receive a fair allocation of Medicaid funds but also support the growth of facilities that choose to develop smaller group homes. Currently, the peer groups for ICF/DDs range from one to more than thirty beds, and the absence of such a classification could hinder the ability of providers to offer flexible and localized care options. The proposed resolution emphasizes the need for the Medicaid state plan to accommodate this new peer group, thereby enhancing the state's support for a diverse range of facility sizes.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 272, introduced by Senator Mizell, seeks to urge the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to create a four-bed peer group classification for intermediate care facilities serving individuals with developmental disabilities. This bill is particularly significant as it aims to address the reimbursement rate calculations for these facilities under Louisiana's Medicaid state plan. Intermediate care facilities (ICF/DDs) provide essential services to individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities requiring round-the-clock care, meaning that the operational viability of these facilities directly affects the quality of care provided to some of the state's most vulnerable residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR272 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for developmental disability services and providers who specialize in this field. Supporters likely view the resolution as a necessary measure to improve reimbursement fairness and promote the establishment of smaller, conducive living environments for individuals with disabilities. While the resolution does not appear to have significant organized opposition, the broader debate regarding Medicaid funding structures and healthcare facility regulations is often contentious.

Contention

The notable point of contention that may arise from this resolution concerns the capacity and conditions under which facilities operate. Some stakeholders may argue that larger care facilities benefit from economies of scale, while smaller ones may struggle to remain financially viable without appropriate funding adjustments. Additionally, the process of amending the Medicaid state plan and the subsequent rules and regulations launched by the LDH could create contention regarding the allocation of resources and compliance requirements for varied facility sizes.