House Bill No. 456, introduced by Representative Turner, amends the Local Healthcare Provider Participation Program in Louisiana. The bill allows for the creation of multi-parish funding districts, enabling parishes with fewer than two hospitals to collaborate with contiguous parishes to form a new governmental entity. This multi-parish funding district will have boundaries that align with the combined boundaries of the participating parishes. The governing body of the district will consist of representatives appointed by each parish, and it will be responsible for delegating operational and administrative tasks to the parishes involved.

Additionally, the bill modifies the provisions regarding local hospital assessment payments. It establishes that the revenue generated from these assessments can be used to cover administrative expenses up to $150,000, replacing the previous limit of five percent of total revenue or $20,000. Furthermore, the responsibility for collecting local hospital assessment payments shifts from the sheriff to the parish, unless the parish engages an appropriate collection entity. The bill also includes provisions for ensuring compliance with federal law if a parish excludes certain providers from the assessment. The changes are set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
HB456 Original: 40:5(D)(3), 40:8(D)