House Resolution No. urges the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to establish rules that would create an exception to the facility need review procedures for behavioral health service providers offering psychosocial rehabilitation or community psychiatric support, provided they meet specific criteria. This initiative is in response to the significant mental health challenges faced by Louisiana residents, as highlighted by statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) indicating high rates of anxiety, depression, and untreated mental health conditions, particularly in rural areas where access to care is limited due to the closure of healthcare facilities.

The resolution outlines the requirements that behavioral health service providers must fulfill to qualify for this exception, including being licensed by LDH before January 1, 2024, not operating under a provisional license, and having a clean record regarding deficiencies and sanctions in the past two years. Additionally, the resolution mandates that the LDH provide a written report to the House Committee on Health and Welfare by November 1, 2024, updating them on the progress of the rule promulgation. This effort aims to enhance access to mental health services in Louisiana, particularly for underserved populations.