House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to enhance nonemergency medical transportation services for individuals with mental illnesses in Louisiana. The bill introduces new definitions related to "Institution for mental diseases," "Institution for mental diseases psychiatric service," and "Institution for mental diseases transportation service." It allows institutions for mental diseases to provide transportation services for their Medicaid beneficiaries, specifically for psychiatric services, and establishes reimbursement guidelines based on the Medicaid fee schedule. The bill also clarifies that these transportation services will not be processed through the Louisiana Department of Health's nonemergency medical transportation brokerage program or any related entities.

Additionally, the bill mandates that institutions for mental diseases must comply with applicable state and federal requirements and allows the Louisiana Department of Health to set minimum safety standards for transportation services. Importantly, the bill specifies that reimbursement will not be provided for transportation related to non-psychiatric medical services. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.