House Bill No. [insert bill number] establishes the Office of State Health Care Facilities (OSHCF) within the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to oversee the administration of various state healthcare facilities, including psychiatric hospitals and developmental centers. The bill amends existing laws, specifically R.S. 28 and R.S. 36, to define the OSHCF's purposes, duties, and functions, which include ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. It also clarifies the authority of the LDH secretary and the executive office, while allowing for the establishment of additional facilities as funding permits.

Furthermore, the bill repeals certain provisions related to the previous structure of the office of behavioral health, streamlining the administration of healthcare services by removing outdated definitions and references. It transfers the responsibility for specific facilities, such as the Pinecrest and Central Louisiana Supports and Services Centers, to the OSHCF, while excluding the Northwest and North Lake Supports and Services Centers. Additionally, it repeals provisions concerning the administration of state-operated nursing homes and the Villa Feliciana Medical Complex by the office of aging and adult services, facilitating the transfer of funding and positions within LDH to support these changes. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without 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)