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 868 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Egan
Abstract: Requires the La. Dept. of Health (LDH) to conduct a review and evaluation of the
standards for psychiatric hospitals and residential substance abuse facilities and submit a report of
its findings.
Proposed law declares that promoting efficiency and productivity of psychiatric hospitals and
residential substance abuse facilities within the healthcare system is vital to the improvement and
overall welfare of the residents in Louisiana.
Proposed law defines "department", "psychiatric hospital", and "residential substance abuse facility".
Proposed law requires LDH to conduct an evaluation of the standards for psychiatric hospitals and
residential substance abuse facilities and to submit a report of its findings. Proposed law further
requires certain content for the report, which includes but is not limited to recommendations for new
or revised standards to improve health outcomes, increase accountability, and recommend
requirements for accreditation of psychiatric hospitals and residential substance abuse facilities.
Proposed law requires LDH to submit its report and recommendations to the House and Senate
committees on health and welfare by March 31, 2025.
Proposed law requires LDH to explore potential value-based financial incentives for
Medicaid-enrolled psychiatric hospitals that sustain or exceed quality of care criteria.
Proposed law allows LDH to consult with any agency, department, board, commission, accreditation
organization, or other healthcare group or association to conduct its review and prepare its report
(Adds R.S. 40:2115.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Redefine "residential substance abuse facility" for the purposes of proposed law.
2. Make technical corrections.