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)]
HB 1012 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session Lyons
Abstract: Defines "non-emergency medical transportation" and provides for standards and
limitations relating to such transportation provided to Medicaid program enrollees.
Proposed law provides that, for purposes of proposed law, "non-emergency medical transportation"
and "NEMT" mean transportation provided to a Medicaid beneficiary to or from a medically
necessary Medicaid-covered service. Stipulates that the term shall not include any non-emergency
or other type of transportation by ambulance.
Proposed law requires that the La. Medicaid program include NEMT services. Establishes that the
purpose of NEMT services shall be to provide non-emergency medical transportation to a Medicaid
beneficiary after all other reasonable means of free transportation for that person have been explored
and found to be unavailable. Requires the Medicaid beneficiary or his representative to confirm that
the beneficiary has no other means of transportation.
Proposed law prohibits NEMT services from being utilized for transportation to or from a pharmacy,
a nursing facility, hospice care, or a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,
and Children (known commonly as "WIC") appointment at an office of public health location.
Proposed law prohibits healthcare providers within the La. Medicaid program from contracting with
or hiring a transportation company to provide NEMT services if that company does not meet local,
city, and state requirements to provide non-emergency medical transportation as defined in proposed
law and in LDH administrative rules.
(Adds R.S. 40:1257.1-1257.4)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Revise the definition of "non-emergency medical transportation" and "NEMT" provided
in proposed law to establish that these terms mean transportation provided to a Medicaid
beneficiary to or from a medically necessary Medicaid-covered service. Provide that the
term shall not include any non-emergency or other type of transportation by ambulance.
2. Delete proposed law relative to requirements and qualifications for NEMT services; add in lieu thereof a prohibition on NEMT services being utilized for transportation to or
from a pharmacy, a nursing facility, hospice care, or a WIC program appointment at an
office of public health location.
3. Make technical changes.