House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Marcelle establishes a task force aimed at studying the potential expansion of behavioral healthcare providers eligible for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement in Louisiana. This initiative arises from the ongoing mental health crisis affecting many residents, particularly those enrolled in Medicaid. The resolution highlights the efforts of the Louisiana Crisis Response System, which was introduced in 2022 to provide a comprehensive crisis system of care for Medicaid recipients experiencing mental health crises. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, prompting the need for further expansion of the pool of eligible behavioral healthcare providers, including those with master's degrees in social work and other related fields.

The task force will consist of representatives from various associations, boards, and departments, including the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Department of Education. Its responsibilities will include assessing the current staffing of mental health professionals in schools, exploring the feasibility of increasing the number of social workers, and recommending initiatives to improve the behavioral health workforce. The task force is required to meet monthly and submit a final report with findings and policy recommendations to the relevant legislative committees by February 28, 2025. The Louisiana Department of Health will provide staff support for the task force's activities.