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. This resolution highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by Louisiana residents, including high rates of anxiety and depression, and the barriers to accessing necessary mental health care, particularly in rural areas. The resolution emphasizes the need for increased access to mental health services and aims to facilitate the expansion of care by allowing qualified providers to offer additional services without the constraints of current facility need review policies.

To qualify for this exception, behavioral health service providers must meet specific criteria, including being licensed by LDH before January 1, 2024, seeking to add relevant services within their licensed area, and not being under any provisional license or current disciplinary actions. The resolution also 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 these rule changes. This initiative reflects Louisiana's ongoing efforts to improve mental health service accessibility and address the needs of its residents effectively.