2022 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 162
BY SENATOR BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Workforce Commission to implement a study to assess
the current rate structure for vocational rehabilitation services and compile data,
based on research and a comparison analysis from other states, to develop a new
reimbursement methodology and fee structure that adequately compensates
Employment Services Vendors for the services and costs incurred to train, support,
and secure employment for persons with disabilities.
WHEREAS, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) assists persons with disabilities
in their desire to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment opportunities and achieve
independence in their communities by providing vocational rehabilitation services through
partnerships with Employment Services Vendors (Vendors) and other community resources;
and
WHEREAS, Vendors are organizations that provide vocational rehabilitation and
employment services to persons with disabilities who are eligible to receive Louisiana
rehabilitation services; and
WHEREAS, Vendors continue to provide vocational rehabilitation services to
persons with disabilities across the state, often at the expense of the Vendors since fees paid
by LRS do not fully cover the costs of services provided to LRS consumers; and
WHEREAS, Vendors routinely supplement LRS fees with alternative revenue
streams as a result of an outdated fee structure that utilizes an inadequate reimbursement
methodology that has not kept pace with inflationary factors, rising staff costs, and direct
service costs; and
WHEREAS, the current fee structure places an extraordinary financial burden on
Vendors, which can no longer be sustained, resulting in the potential to cease service
provision to persons with disabilities, which places undue risks on the statewide vocational
rehabilitation system and adversely impacts training, supports, and employment
opportunities for persons with disabilities; and
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WHEREAS, the requested study and comparison analysis will provide current data
from other states with successful payment models that can be utilized to develop a new
reimbursement methodology that allows for a rate structure that adequately reimburses
Vendors for the costs associated with the provision of employment-related services; and
WHEREAS, Vendors of services for people with disabilities are essential
components of the state vocational rehabilitation system, and the services they deliver are
vital to employment success; and
WHEREAS, equitable reimbursement to Vendors for the services they provide is
necessary to ensure adequate employment support for persons with disabilities to enhance
financial and personal independence, ensure quality of services, and strengthen the
vocational rehabilitation system statewide.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby request the Louisiana Workforce Commission to implement a study to assess
the current rate structure for LRS and compile data, based on research and a comparison
analysis from other states, to develop a new reimbursement methodology and fee structure
that adequately compensates Employment Services Vendors for the services and costs
incurred for training, supporting, and securing employment for persons with disabilities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and upon completion of the study, a
written report be developed and submitted in response to this Resolution.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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