reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.2. Purpose

RS 46:977.2 - Purpose
The legislature hereby declares that for the economic and social benefits of all residents of this state, it is important to ensure that children of the state have access to affordable health insurance that offers comprehensive coverage and emphasizes preventive health care. Many children in working families are uninsured, including children in families whose family income is greater than two hundred percent of the applicable federal poverty guideline as published in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The lack of health insurance negatively affects the health status of children. The legislature further finds that access to health care is a key component for the healthy development of children and a successful education. It is, therefore, the intent of the legislature to provide access to affordable health insurance to children in Louisiana.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.3. Definitions

RS 46:977.3 - Definitions
As used in this Part, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Child" means a person under the age of nineteen.
(2) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Health.
(3) "Medical assistance" means healthcare benefits provided through the Louisiana Medicaid program or the Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program, hereafter referred to as LaCHIP.
(4) "Premium assistance" means a component of the Louisiana Children and Youth Health Insurance Program under which the department pays on behalf of an enrollee either part of or the entire premium of employer-sponsored or individual health insurance coverage.
(5) "Program" means the Louisiana Children and Youth Health Insurance Program.
(6) "Responsible party" means a parent or person legally responsible for the welfare of a child.
(7) "Subsidized insurance" means a component of the program whereby the state provides health insurance coverage to a child at a reduced premium rate to the family.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.4. Louisiana Children and Youth Health Insurance Program; creation

RS 46:977.4 - Louisiana Children and Youth Health Insurance Program; creation
The Louisiana Children and Youth Health Insurance Program is hereby created. The program shall be administered by the department. The department shall have the same powers and authority to administer the program as provided to it in connection with the administration of the Louisiana Medicaid program and LaCHIP. The department shall coordinate the program with the existing children's health programs it operates.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.5. Eligibility requirements

RS 46:977.5 - Eligibility requirements
A. To be eligible for this program, a child shall:
(1) Be ineligible for medical assistance under the Louisiana Medicaid program or benefits under LaCHIP.
(2) Be in a family in which the family income is between two hundred percent and three hundred percent of the applicable federal poverty guideline as published in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
(3) Meet at least one of the following requirements:
(a) Be without health insurance for a period of time set forth in rules promulgated by the department.
(b) Have a parent who has lost employment and health insurance, which leaves the child without available, affordable dependent health insurance coverage, until such time as affordable employer-sponsored dependent health insurance coverage is again available for the child as set forth in rules promulgated by the department. The department may take into account the affordability of dependent health insurance when determining whether employer-sponsored dependent health insurance coverage is available upon reemployment of a child's parent.
(c) Be a newborn whose responsible party does not have available, affordable private or employer-sponsored health insurance.
(d) Have lost medical benefits under the Louisiana Medicaid program or LaCHIP within one year of applying for coverage under this Part.
B. A child who is determined to be eligible for the program shall remain eligible for twelve months.
C. A child shall not be eligible for coverage under the program if:
(1) The premium required by R.S. 46:977.9(D) has not been timely paid. If the required premium is not paid, the liability of the program shall be limited to healthcare services provided under the program for the time period for which the premium has been paid. A child shall also be ineligible for reenrollment for a period of time set forth in rule by the department if the premium is not paid.
(2) The child is in the custody of a juvenile detention facility or adult correction facility.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.6. Promulgation of rules

RS 46:977.6 - Promulgation of rules
The department shall promulgate rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, which shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Hardship provisions.
(2) Annual renewals of eligibility for the program.
(3) Reenrollment, grace period, notice requirements, and hearing procedures.
(4) Determining the availability and affordability of private or employer-sponsored health insurance, with consideration of such factors as the percentage of income needed to purchase individual or family health insurance, the availability of employer subsidies, and other relevant factors.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.7. Enrollment process

RS 46:977.7 - Enrollment process
The department shall use the same simplified enrollment processes and application form that are used for the Louisiana Medicaid program and LaCHIP. In addition, the department may also:
(1) Provide a secure system and authorize an application to be submitted by electronic transmission via the Internet.
(2) Make presumptive eligibility determinations for children as provided by federal guidelines.
(3) Contract with local entities throughout the state to assist with outreach and enrollment activities.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.8. Eligibility; future federal legislation

RS 46:977.8 - Eligibility; future federal legislation
The department, upon enactment by congress of legislation allowing the same, may utilize income determinations made by the Food Stamp Program, WIC, the National School Lunch Program, or the successor of any of these programs for determining income eligibility for the Louisiana Medicaid program or LaCHIP.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.9. Healthcare benefits; cost sharing requirements

RS 46:977.9 - Healthcare benefits; cost sharing requirements
A. Subject to the General Appropriation Act of the legislature, the department shall purchase or provide healthcare benefits for eligible children which are equivalent to the benefits provided for children under the coverage requirements for the federal Children's Health Insurance Program, Title XXI of the Social Security Act.
B. Subject to the General Appropriation Act of the legislature, as an alternative to the health benefits outlined in Subsection A of this Section, and when cost-effective to the state, the department may provide premium assistance to families toward the cost of privately sponsored health insurance, including employer-sponsored and individually purchased health insurance.
C. The content and availability of benefits described in Subsection B of this Section and the terms of eligibility for those benefits shall be at the discretion of the department. The department shall determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness as a means of promoting retention of private or employer-sponsored health insurance. If the department provides benefits described in Subsection B of this Section, the department shall not be required to provide services under any provision of Title XIX or Title XXI of the Social Security Act.
D. The responsible party for a child enrolled in the program shall be subject to the following cost-sharing requirements for subsidized insurance:
(1) The department shall by rule establish requirements concerning monthly premiums, co-payments, and coinsurance for healthcare services. This cost sharing shall be on a sliding scale based on family income up to three hundred percent of the applicable federal poverty guideline as published in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The department shall work in consultation with the Louisiana staff of the Children's Defense Fund, Agenda for Children, Louisiana Maternal and Child Health Coalition, Covering Kids and Families, Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, Families Helping Families of Louisiana, Louisiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Louisiana Chapter of the March of Dimes, and Louisiana Primary Care Association in the rulemaking process regarding the sliding scale, which is based on family income. Notwithstanding this Paragraph, there shall be no co-payment required for well-baby or well-child health care, including but not limited to age-appropriate immunization as required under state and federal law.
(2) The responsible party for a child enrolled in a privately sponsored health insurance plan under this Part shall be subject to the cost-sharing provisions stated in the privately sponsored health insurance plan.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.10. Authority of the department; premiums

RS 46:977.10 - Authority of the department; premiums
The department shall have the authority to:
(1) Collect required premiums from the family or responsible party for a child receiving benefits.
(2) Notify the family or responsible party of a child who is paying a premium of any changes in such premium or co-payment requirements.
(3) Refuse payment of services for nonpayment of premium.
(4) Monitor the availability and retention of employer-sponsored dependent health insurance coverage to promote retention of private or employer-sponsored health insurance and timely access to healthcare services.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.11. Right of recovery; assistance payments; medical expenses

RS 46:977.11 - Right of recovery; assistance payments; medical expenses
The provisions of R.S. 46:153 and 446 relative to the department's right to recover shall apply to assistance payments and medical expenses provided to children pursuant to this Part.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.12. Amendments or waivers of federal requirements

RS 46:977.12 - Amendments or waivers of federal requirements
The department shall request any necessary state plan amendments or waivers of federal requirements in order to use federal funds for implementing any or all the provisions of the program.
Acts 2007, No. 407, §1, eff. July 10, 2007.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.21. Purpose

RS 46:977.21 - Purpose
The purpose of this Part is to provide for the TEFRA option within the Medicaid program of this state through which children with disabilities can access Medicaid-funded services regardless of their parents' income.
Acts 2019, No. 421, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.22. Definitions

RS 46:977.22 - Definitions
For purposes of this Part, the following terms have the meaning ascribed in this Section:
(1) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Health.
(2) "Medicaid" means the medical assistance program provided for in Title XIX of the Social Security Act.
(3) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
(4) "TEFRA option" means the program authorized under Section 134 of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-248), and provided for more specifically in this Part, which furnishes Medicaid benefits to children with disabilities who are otherwise ineligible for such benefits because the income of their household exceeds state-established limits for Medicaid eligibility.
Acts 2019, No. 421, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.23. TEFRA option established; application to federal Medicaid agency; limitation

RS 46:977.23 - TEFRA option established; application to federal Medicaid agency; limitation
A. The legislature hereby creates a TEFRA option program in order to protect and promote public health and well-being in this state. The department shall, subject to the approval of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, begin a program to provide healthcare services via the state's Medicaid program for the population contemplated under Section 134 of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-248).
B. The TEFRA option shall offer coverage exclusively through the Medicaid fee-for-service system unless the department determines that offering TEFRA option coverage to persons enrolled in the Medicaid managed care program would be more cost-effective.
Acts 2019, No. 421, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.24. Eligibility factors; benefits; premium payment program participation

RS 46:977.24 - Eligibility factors; benefits; premium payment program participation
A. In order to be eligible for the TEFRA option, a child shall meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
(1) He is a Louisiana resident and United States citizen.
(2) He is under the age of nineteen.
(3) He has a disability that is recognized under the definition of disability utilized in the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Administration, regardless of whether he is eligible to receive benefits under that program.
(4) He is ineligible for Medicaid coverage when the income of his parents is considered.
(5) Excluding the assets of his parents, he does not have total assets exceeding two thousand dollars in value.
(6) Due to his disability, he requires a level of care provided in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility; however, care provided outside of such an institution may be appropriate.
(7) The cost of his care provided at his home is less than the cost of institutional care.
B. The TEFRA option shall provide to eligible children coverage for all Medicaid state plan services.
C. To the maximum extent practicable, as determined by the secretary, the department shall include TEFRA option beneficiaries in its health insurance premium payment program as a means of maximizing private health insurance coverage of Medicaid enrollees.
Acts 2019, No. 421, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:977.31. Prescribed donor human milk; Medicaid outpatient coverage

RS 46:977.31 - Prescribed donor human milk; Medicaid outpatient coverage
A. The Louisiana Department of Health shall make available to persons who are eligible for Medicaid benefits under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq., outpatient coverage benefits for medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk upon prescription of an infant's pediatrician stating that the infant Medicaid beneficiary is medically or physically unable to receive maternal human milk or participate in breastfeeding, or the infant's mother is medically or physically unable to produce maternal human milk in sufficient quantities. Medicaid shall only reimburse for outpatient donor human milk obtained from a member bank of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.
B. The department may seek approval of a federal Medicaid waiver and state plan amendments as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Section.
Acts 2022, No. 488, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:978. Short title; legislative intent

RS 46:978 - Short title; legislative intent
A. This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Health Care Reform Act of 2007".
B. It is the intent of the legislature that the state shall lead the initiative to improve health care outcomes in Louisiana by developing and implementing a health care delivery system that provides a continuum of evidence-based, quality driven health care services. This health care delivery system shall be known as Louisiana Health First and shall consist of a medical home system of care. The medical home system of care shall incorporate the use of health information technology and quality measures to facilitate a safe, patient-centered, quality driven, evidence-based, accessible, and sustainable health care system to Medicaid recipients and low-income uninsured citizens.
Acts 2003, No. 813, §1; Acts 2005, No. 154, §2, eff. June 28, 2005; Acts 2007, No. 243, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:978.1. Definitions

RS 46:978.1 - Definitions
As used in this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Department" shall mean the Louisiana Department of Health.
NOTE: Paragraph (2) eff. until Jan. 1, 2024. See Acts 2023, No. 322.
(2) "Health information technology" shall mean information technology used in health care, including but not limited to electronic health records/electronic medical records, computerized physician order entry, health information exchange, telemedicine, and other relevant information technology deemed appropriate by the secretary of the department.
NOTE: Paragraph (2) eff. Jan. 1, 2024. See Acts 2023, No. 322.
(2) "Health information technology" shall mean information technology used in health care, including but not limited to electronic health records or electronic medical records, computerized physician order entry, health information exchange, telehealth, and other relevant information technology deemed appropriate by the secretary of the department.
(3) "Medical home system of care" shall mean a health care delivery system that is patient and family centered and is guided by a personal primary care provider who coordinates and facilitates preventive and primary care that improves patient outcomes in the most cost-efficient manner possible. By providing a coordinated continuum of care, the cost of the current health care delivery system shall be reduced, health outcomes shall improve, and the disparities in access to health care among the state's populations shall be reduced. The medical home system of care shall consist of an integrated system of public, private, or public and private primary care providers, specialty care groups, and hospital providers that are willing to participate in the integrated system and meet participation criteria.
(4) "Secretary" shall mean the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
Acts 2007, No. 243, §1; Acts 2023, No. 322, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:978.2. Health care delivery system

RS 46:978.2 - Health care delivery system
A. The department shall develop and implement a medical home system of care for Medicaid recipients and the low-income uninsured citizens of the state. The medical home system of care shall:
(1) Coordinate and provide access to evidence-based health care services, emphasizing convenient, comprehensive primary care.
(2) Provide access to appropriate specialty care and inpatient services.
(3) Provide quality driven and cost-effective health care.
(4) Promote strong and effective medical management.
(5) Emphasize patient and provider accountability.
(6) Prioritize local access to the continuum of health care services.
B. The department shall require providers who participate in the medical home system of care to adopt an interoperable electronic medical record.
C. In order to ease the cost of implementation of health information technology, the department shall avail itself of any public and private funding available.
D. The department may establish a mechanism to evaluate, promote, and improve the quality of health and health care delivered to the Medicaid and low-income uninsured populations through the use of quality performance measures, evidence-based standards of care, and other measurements that facilitate quality improvement.
E. Reimbursement for participation in Louisiana Health First shall be at a level to ensure provider participation and success. The department shall develop an enhanced Medicaid reimbursement methodology to compensate providers who participate in the medical home system of care. The department shall also apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for authority to develop a payment methodology to compensate providers who care for the low-income uninsured in the medical home system of care. To the extent permitted by the federal government, such reimbursement methodologies shall incorporate features of successful managed care programs, which promote the medical home system of care that is supported by the appropriate, enforceable, quality standards of evidence-based medical protocols and the necessary health information technologies.
F. Reimbursement for health care services for low-income uninsured individuals provided under the medical home system of care shall be allocated to the greatest extent possible based on the disbursement of the low-income uninsured population statewide.
Acts 2007, No. 243, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:978.3. Application for approval

RS 46:978.3 - Application for approval
A. In accordance with the authority granted in R.S. 36:254(A)(6)(a), the department is hereby authorized to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, for any approval necessary to implement the provisions of this Chapter.
B. In the event approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is not attained to implement this Chapter, the department shall implement elements of this Chapter that are feasible and within the state's current authority.
C. Prior to submission of any waiver application or state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to effect the provisions of this Chapter, the department shall submit the waiver plan or the proposed state plan amendment to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare and the House Committee on Health and Welfare, meeting jointly, for review and approval. If approved by the committees on health and welfare, the waiver plan or the proposed state plan amendment and cost estimates for a minimum of five years shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget for review and approval. If the waiver plan or the proposed state plan amendment is approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, the department shall submit the waiver application or the state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval.
Acts 2007, No. 243, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:979. Department responsibility

RS 46:979 - Department responsibility
A. The department shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act that provide for maximizing Medicaid funding and rates for those hospitals that provide either of the following:
(1) Inpatient services to fragile newborns or critically ill children in either a Level III Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or a Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, which units have been in operation on or before January 1, 2003.
(2) A Medicaid utilization rate of twenty-five percent of total inpatient days or greater.
B. The department shall minimize the impact of budget adjustments made pursuant to R.S. 39:75 or as authorized in the General Appropriation Act upon hospitals qualifying for Medicaid rate maximization under this Section.
Acts 2003, No. 813, §1; Acts 2005, No. 154, §2, eff. June 28, 2005; Acts 2007, No. 243, §1; Acts 2008, No. 566, §1, eff. June 30, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:979.2. Definitions

RS 46:979.2 - Definitions
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the following definitions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Cost-sharing" means the portion of the cost of a covered medical service that must be paid by or on behalf of eligible individuals, consisting of copayments or coinsurance, but not deductibles.
(2) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Health.
(3) "Medicaid" means the medical assistance program provided for in Title XIX of the Social Security Act.
(4) "Plan" means the Louisiana First America Next Freedom and Empowerment Plan established by this Chapter.
(5) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
Acts 2014, No. 783, §1, eff. June 19, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:979.3. Legislative findings; purpose

RS 46:979.3 - Legislative findings; purpose
A. The Legislature of Louisiana does hereby find and declare that, due to compelling moral and economic reasons, Louisiana must enact positive reforms to move the state's health care system in the right direction.
B. The Legislature of Louisiana does hereby find and declare that Louisiana should expand access to affordable high quality health care. Our state must create a solid safety net for the poorest of the poor and the sickest of the sick. Louisiana must seek to offer to its citizens a health care system that allows the patient to be in control, working with his own doctor and other health care providers. Louisiana must work on reducing health care costs, since many of Louisiana's citizens struggle to afford health care. Louisiana must work to preserve and strengthen the safety net for the most vulnerable in our state, including those with pre-existing conditions. Louisiana must focus on enhancing patient choice, removing obstacles to portability, and promoting consumer selection.
C. The Legislature of Louisiana does hereby find and declare that true health reform puts doctors and patients, not government bureaucrats, at the heart of all health policy decisions.
D. The purposes of this state in implementing the Louisiana First America Next Freedom and Empowerment Plan are as follows:
(1) To lower health care costs by providing incentives for Louisiana consumers to serve as smart health care shoppers, to save money by engaging in healthy behaviors, and to take control of their health care choices.
(2) To protect the most vulnerable Louisiana citizens by targeting government resources to those most at risk in our state and by enacting reforms that would guarantee health care access to individuals with pre-existing conditions, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and the unborn.
(3) To provide portability and choice to Louisiana consumers by offering personalized choices so that consumers can buy the health care coverage plan they want, not the plan a government bureaucrat tells them to purchase.
Acts 2014, No. 783, §1, eff. June 19, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:979.5. Plan outcomes; reporting requirements

RS 46:979.5 - Plan outcomes; reporting requirements
A. On or before July 1, 2015, and annually thereafter, the secretary of the department shall provide to the House and Senate committees on health and welfare and to the governor a written report covering the most recent one-year period which includes at a minimum all of the items required hereafter in this Section.
B. The secretary shall make the report provided for in this Section publicly available on its Internet website.
C. The report shall include but shall not be limited to the following items:
(1) Evaluation of major barriers to access to health care by participants in the Louisiana First America Next Freedom and Empowerment Plan, and recommendations for policy changes to eliminate such barriers.
(2) Summary of successful initiatives in this state for disease prevention and early diagnosis and management of chronic conditions among participants in the plan.
(3) Such other information as the secretary deems appropriate to convey a clear and sufficiently complete assessment of the impact of the plan.
Acts 2014, No. 783, §1, eff. June 19, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1001. Legislative findings

RS 46:1001 - Legislative findings
The legislature finds that children who are emancipated from or aged out of long-term foster care in this state must be better equipped with the necessary skills to find employment and to become self-supporting and productive.
Acts 2005, No. 82, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1002. Vocational testing and counseling; purpose; duties of the office of children and family services

RS 46:1002 - Vocational testing and counseling; purpose; duties of the office of children and family services
A. The Department of Children and Family Services, office of children and family services, shall provide, in each of its regional offices, vocational testing and counseling on the subjects of higher education and employment for those individuals in long-term foster care at the youngest age deemed appropriate to process the information.
B. Through vocational testing, the office of children and family services shall seek to identify areas of potential interest and potential employment that are specific to an individual in foster care and, to this end, the office shall:
(1) Conduct a minimum of three, one-hour long counseling sessions annually with each individual, covering the subjects of potential employment both during and after high school, as well as possibilities for education beyond high school.
(2) Encourage and assist individuals in long-term foster care to find part-time work while they are still in high school as a means of discovering their interests and capabilities, as well as fostering a sense of independence.
C. The office of children and family services shall adopt all necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.
Acts 2005, No. 82, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1051. Authority to create and alter the boundaries of districts

RS 46:1051 - Authority to create and alter the boundaries of districts
A. The police juries of parishes are authorized and empowered, upon their own initiative, to form and create one or more hospital service districts within the respective parishes, or with agreement among police juries concerned, to combine two or more parishes into a single hospital service district with such names as the police juries may designate, and, in so doing, police juries may create hospital service districts whose boundaries overlap those of other hospital service districts.
B. The police juries are further authorized and empowered, upon their own initiative, to alter the boundaries of any hospital service district, provided that no such boundary change shall cause an impairment of the obligations of any contract of the hospital service district.
C. Such creation of overlapping hospital service districts or the alteration of the boundaries of any hospital service district prior to July 31, 1968, are hereby expressly validated, ratified and confirmed.
D. The governing authority of Pointe Coupee Parish may rename the Pointe Coupee Parish Hospital Service District Number One as the Pointe Coupee Parish Health Services District Number One; in such case, such district and its commission shall continue to have all powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities as provided in this Chapter for hospital service districts, and their commissions and the parish governing authority shall continue to have all powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities as provided in this Chapter with respect to such district.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections A and B of this Section, the governing authority of Ouachita Parish shall not abolish or alter the boundaries of Hospital Service District No. 1 of the Parish of Ouachita unless the abolition or alteration is approved by two-thirds of the full membership of the board of commissioners of the district and approved by a majority of the voters of the district, as the district existed on January 1, 1997, voting at an election held for the purpose of authorizing such abolition or alteration in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. The parish governing authority or the board of commissioners may call an election for such purpose after the board of commissioners has voted for such approval as provided in this Subsection.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §1. Amended by Acts 1968, No. 35, §1; Acts 1986, No. 326, §1; Acts 1997, No. 436, §2, eff. June 22, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1052. Objects of the districts

RS 46:1052 - Objects of the districts
The objects and purposes of the hospital service districts and the governing bodies created pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall be:
(1) To own and operate hospitals for the care of persons suffering from illnesses or disabilities which require that patients receive hospital care.
(2) To administer other activities related to rendering care to the sick and injured or in the promotion of health which may be justified by the facilities, personnel, funds and other requirements available.
(3) To promote and conduct scientific research and training related to the care of the sick and injured insofar as such research and training can be conducted in connection with the hospital.
(4) To participate so far as circumstances may warrant in any activity designed and conducted to promote the general health of the community.
(5) To cooperate with other public and private institutions and agencies engaged in providing hospital and other health services to residents of the district.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §2; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1054. Officers; meetings

RS 46:1054 - Officers; meetings
A. The commission shall elect one of its members chairman and one vice chairman. The chairman of the Acadia-St. Landry Hospital Service District shall vote only in the event of a tie vote.
B. All meetings of the commission shall be held at the domicile of the district established by the police jury. At least three regular meetings shall be held annually. Special meetings may be held at such times and places as shall be specified, by call of the chairman or the police jury.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §4. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 451, §1; Acts 1979, No. 325, §1; Acts 1989, No. 344, §1, eff. June 28, 1989.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1056. Hospital director and executives

RS 46:1056 - Hospital director and executives
A. The commission shall enter into a formal written employment agreement with a hospital director, hereafter referred to as "director", who has had experience in the field of hospital administration and is familiar with the principles and methods of hospital and institutional care, and the hospital may enter into a formal written employment agreement with any hospital executive. For purposes of this Section, "hospital executive" includes but is not limited to any senior member of management such as vice president, assistant administrator, or department director. The director and any hospital executive shall be full-time employees of the district or of the hospital management firm. The director shall receive a salary fixed by the commission.
B. If the director and commission enter into a formal written employment agreement, notwithstanding any law to the contrary, such agreement shall bind both parties to its terms. If a hospital executive and hospital, upon the authority of the director, enter into a formal written employment agreement, notwithstanding any law to the contrary, such agreement shall bind both parties to its terms. Such written agreements shall provide for a fixed term of employment, specify the director's or hospital executive's duties, and be renewable for an additional term or terms at the pleasure of the commission or hospital director, respectively. In the absence of a formal written employment agreement, the director shall serve at the pleasure of the commission and the hospital executive shall serve at the pleasure of the director.
C. If a director is found incompetent, inefficient, or unworthy during the term of a written employment agreement, he shall be removable for such cause by a majority vote of the commission at any regular meeting for which the removal appears on the agenda or any special meeting after due notice. The written employment agreement shall also specify that the commission shall give the director official warning and a reasonable opportunity to correct the indicated deficiencies prior to the commission's termination of the agreement.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §6. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 726, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1112, §1; Acts 2017, No. 161, §1; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1057. Duties of director

RS 46:1057 - Duties of director
In addition to the duties imposed upon him by other provisions of this Chapter, it shall be the duty of the director:
(1) To attend all meetings of the commission and to act as secretary and keep the official minutes of the proceedings.
(2) With the consent of the commissioners, and subject to such budgetary limitations and any civil service laws in effect, the director shall have power to establish positions and to make appointments thereto; to establish rates of pay; to abolish positions; to transfer duties among positions; to assign duties to, direct and control the work of, and transfer, promote, demote, remove and otherwise change the status of employees of the district.
(3) To make and publish such reports regarding the work of the district as may be required by law, or which he may be directed to make by the commission.
(4) To see that the policies relating to the conduct of the affairs of the district which have been established by the commission are carried out.
(5) To cooperate with the medical staff in the performance of the policies which it may establish.
(6) To prepare an annual budget for approval by the commission and the police jury.
(7) To recommend to the commission the scale of rates to be charged for services rendered by the district.
(8) To provide for adequate medical records and reports.
(9) To control and direct all business affairs of the district. By way of extension and not of limitation, these duties shall include the keeping of the accounts of the district, making necessary purchase of equipment, supplies and materials, making major and minor repairs to physical facilities.
(10) To receive and receipt for and keep a correct accounting of all gifts, bequests, grants-in-aid, and other revenues received by the district and with the consent of the commission, to expend the proceeds of all such gifts, bequests, grants-in-aid and other revenues for the purpose designated in this Chapter and subject to any conditions that may be imposed in any act of donation or any law providing grants-in-aid or other revenues for such purpose.
(11) To perform any other duties and functions which he or the commission consider necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Chapter.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §7; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1058. Medical staff

RS 46:1058 - Medical staff
The commission shall appoint a medical staff. Such appointments shall be made upon the recommendations of the physicians who are authorized to practice within the hospital.
It shall be the duty of the medical staff:
(1) To provide professional care of the sick and injured in the hospitals;
(2) To give advice and assistance to the commission and director relating to standards of operation and professional problems;
(3) To participate in the educational activities of the district;
(4) To promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of the medical staff for approval of the commission;
(5) To elect annually one of its members as chief of staff and to elect from its members the heads of any specialized services of the hospital; and
(6) To approve the appointment of the hospital director made by the commission.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §8. Amended by Acts 1952, No. 127, §18.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1059. Petition for organization of district

RS 46:1059 - Petition for organization of district
Upon failure or refusal of the police jury of any parish to organize a hospital service district, they are hereby required to and shall form such district when petitioned to so do upon petition presented to the police jury, signed by not less than twenty-five persons owning or assessed for lands in said districts. In presenting such petition to the police jury, such petition shall set forth substantially the boundaries of the district which is proposed to be organized.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §9.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1060. District to constitute body corporate; powers

RS 46:1060 - District to constitute body corporate; powers
Any hospital service district thus created and named by any police jury or any parish in the state shall constitute a body corporate in law with all the powers of a corporation, shall have perpetual existence, shall have the power and right to incur debts and contract obligations, to sue and be sued, and to do and perform any and all acts in its corporate capacity and its corporate name necessary and proper for the carrying out of the objects and purposes for which the hospital service district was created. Such hospital service district shall have the right and power of expropriating property for the purpose of acquiring land for any purpose that it may find necessary in the operation of a hospital service district and may require by donation or purchase, any existing hospital facility in the district. It shall also have the power and authority to acquire any and all necessary equipment and buildings for the purpose of performing the objects for which it is formed, and shall own all sites and physical facilities which are acquired either by donation, purchase, expropriation, exchange and otherwise in full ownership.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §10.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1061. Procedure in organizing district

RS 46:1061 - Procedure in organizing district
In the creation of a hospital service district, the police jury shall at the same time designate a time and place for the first meeting of the said commission, the meeting to take place within sixty days from the date of their appointment. At the first meeting of the commission, they shall proceed to organize by electing a chairman and a vice chairman.
It shall be the duty of the chairman to preside over the meeting of the commission and to perform such other duties as are usually required of presidents or chairmen of the other corporate bodies. It shall be the duty of the vice chairman to act in the absence of the chairman and in case of the disability of the chairman to act.
The commission shall elect the director of the hospital who shall serve as secretary and treasurer for the commission. The director shall furnish a surety bond in a sum equal to the amount of taxes collected in said district during any one year. The premium on this bond shall be paid by the hospital district out of its funds. The commission shall have authority to fix his salary and define his authority and duties not otherwise provided in this chapter. The director shall devote his entire time to said office and shall hold his office at the pleasure of the commission.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §11.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1062. Rules and regulations; contracts

RS 46:1062 - Rules and regulations; contracts
The hospital district or the commission of the hospital district shall have the power, and it shall be their duty to adopt rules and regulations for the proper conduct and operation of any hospital or medical facilities under its administration. They shall have the power and authority to enter into contracts for the construction of hospitals and medical facilities necessary for the administration of services for their district.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §12.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1062.1. Contracts; Tensas Parish

RS 46:1062.1 - Contracts; Tensas Parish
Notwithstanding any other provision of law of this chapter or any other law to the contrary, the police jury of Tensas Parish shall have the power and authority to enter into contracts for the construction of hospitals and medical facilities necessary for the administration of services for their district, and such construction shall be under the authority and administration of said police jury.
Added by Acts 1973, No. 173, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance › §46:1063. Domicile; service of citation

RS 46:1063 - Domicile; service of citation
The police jury creating a hospital service district, with corporate powers, shall designate the domicile of such corporation, at which domicile it shall be sued and service of citation made on the director, and in his absence, upon the chairman of the commission, and in his or their absences, then upon the vice chairman of the commission; provided that in fixing the domicile of the district the police jury shall at all times fix the same at some place within the district.
Acts 1950, No. 420, §13.