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 for Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly focusing on medically fragile children and adults who require continuous or extended-hour care. The resolution highlights the critical need for a stable network of in-home nursing providers, as many individuals with complex medical needs are dependent on these services to avoid institutionalization. It also addresses 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.

The study will examine various factors affecting the delivery of in-home skilled nursing services, including current provider capacity, the extent of unfilled authorized care hours, and the regulatory environment governing provider licensure. Additionally, it will assess the financial implications of inadequate in-home care, such as increased Medicaid expenditures due to hospitalizations, and the burden placed on family caregivers. The Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with consulting stakeholders and utilizing existing data to minimize administrative burdens, with a preliminary update due by October 1, 2026, and a final report with recommendations to be submitted by February 1, 2027.