House Bill No. by Representative Echols aims to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates for gastroenterology procedures performed at ambulatory surgical centers in Louisiana. The bill enacts a new section, R.S. 46:452, which mandates that the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) establish a reimbursement rate that is at least 100% of the Medicare rate for these procedures. Additionally, the LDH is required to update these reimbursement rates annually to align with any adjustments made to Medicare rates.

The bill also stipulates that the LDH must promulgate all necessary rules and regulations to implement these provisions effectively. The implementation of this plan is to be completed by October 1, 2026. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or, if not signed, after the designated time for bills to become law without signature.