Senate Resolution No. by Senator McMath urges the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive study on the adequacy of in-home skilled nursing services available to Medicaid beneficiaries in the state. This resolution highlights the critical need for these services, particularly for medically fragile children and adults who require continuous or extended-hour nursing care to remain safely at home. The resolution points out the challenges posed by long waitlists for home and community-based services, a projected shortage of registered nurses, and the impact of federal regulations on the availability of in-home care providers. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the current provider network capacity, the factors contributing to unfilled authorized hours of care, and the implications of state policies on service delivery.

The study will involve consultation with various stakeholders, including beneficiaries, in-home nursing providers, and healthcare professionals, to gather insights and data. The Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with examining several key areas, such as the geographic distribution of providers, the relationship between payment rates and workforce wages, and the extent to which family caregivers are absorbing gaps in authorized hours. A preliminary update on the study's progress is expected by October 1, 2026, with a final report and recommendations due by February 1, 2027. The resolution aims to ensure that any adjustments to the licensure framework for home health agencies are informed by thorough research and stakeholder input, ultimately improving access to necessary in-home skilled nursing services while maintaining patient safety and program integrity.