The 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 is in response to 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, and will focus on several key areas, including the staffing of mental health professionals in schools, the feasibility of increasing the number of social workers, and the potential for educational programs to attract more counselors into the workforce. Additionally, the task force will explore recommendations for improving reimbursement equity for behavioral health professionals, fostering public-private partnerships, and addressing barriers to entering 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 health and welfare committees by February 28, 2025.