House Bill No. 859, introduced by Representative Davis, mandates the Louisiana Department of Health to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a Medicaid managed care organization to provide specialized behavioral health services. The bill enacts R.S. 28:311, which requires the RFP to be issued by January 1, 2025, and stipulates that the selected organization must begin providing comprehensive integrated health services, including specialized behavioral health services, by January 1, 2026.

The legislation aims to establish a statewide delivery system for behavioral health services, ensuring that individuals with behavioral or substance use health needs receive appropriate care. The new provisions emphasize the importance of a coordinated approach to health services, integrating behavioral health into the broader Medicaid managed care framework.