House Bill No. 1214 establishes the Office of State Health Care Facilities (OSHCF) within the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to oversee the administration and coordination of various state healthcare facilities, including psychiatric hospitals and developmental centers. The bill outlines the roles and responsibilities of the OSHCF, including the authority to open additional facilities as funding permits. It streamlines the management structure by requiring facility administrators to report directly to the executive director of OSHCF, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. The bill also clarifies the definitions and responsibilities of various offices within the LDH to align with current healthcare needs.

In addition to creating the OSHCF, the bill repeals outdated provisions related to the previous structure of the Department of Health, particularly concerning the office of behavioral health. It modifies existing laws to transfer the responsibility for certain facilities, such as the Pinecrest and Central Louisiana Supports and Services Centers, to the OSHCF while removing others from operational oversight. The bill grants the secretary of LDH direct control over the executive office and OSHCF, allowing for the transfer of funding and positions to facilitate the implementation of these changes. The proposed law is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without a signature.

Statutes affected:
HB1214 Original: 28:1(B), 28:2(1), 28:6(A), 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 40:1(S, 28:8(A)(2), 28:2(9)
HB1214 Engrossed: 28:1(B), 28:2(1), 28:6(A), 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 40:1(S, 28:8(A)(2), 28:2(9)
HB1214 Reengrossed: 28:1(B), 28:2(1), 28:6(A), 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 28:8(A)(2), 28:2(9)