House Bill No. 559 aims to enhance the governance and operational efficiency of human services districts and boards in Louisiana. The bill amends existing law to stipulate that the executive director of each board will be hired by the board but must also be confirmed by the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the surgeon general. Additionally, the bill outlines specific duties for the boards, including the adoption of consistent performance indicators, evaluation of insurance and Medicaid billing practices, integration of primary care, conducting annual patient satisfaction surveys, and reducing reliance on state funding. Each board is also required to prepare an annual report summarizing its progress towards statewide health goals and hold an annual meeting to inform elected officials about their activities.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the oversight responsibilities of the secretary of LDH, clarifying that the secretary will be solely responsible for the policy development, implementation, and monitoring of the statewide human services system without the need for consultation with the boards. The proposed law also mandates that the reports generated by the boards be compiled by LDH and submitted to the legislature by February 1st each year. Overall, this legislation seeks to improve accountability and transparency within the human services system in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB559 Original: 28:914(D)(1)
HB559 Reengrossed: 28:914(D)(1), 28:918(A)