Article archive / March 1, 2015
Originally published: . Volume 6, No. 3. Source pages: 4.
DHH Tries Again to Develop Rules for Treatment Facilities, Some Providers
The Department of Health and Hospitals, Bureau of Health Services Financing, is trying again to develop the new Rules covering the licensing standards for substance abuse/addiction treatment facilities, and mental health clinics, and behavioral health service providers, to comply with Act 308, according to a Notice published in the February Louisiana Register.
The newest effort includes 42 pages of information after last year’s effort resulting in extensive comments from the public. So, the Department abandoned the Notice of Intent published in the March 20, 2014 edition of the Louisiana Register. The department now proposes to promulgate a revised Notice of Intent, pages 439 to 480 in the February Register.
A public hearing on this proposed Rule is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 118, Bienville Building, 628 North Fourth Street, Baton Rouge, LA. At that time all interested persons will be given a chance to submit data, views or arguments either orally or in writing, wrote Secretary Kathy Kliebert. Written comments are due by 4:30 on the next business day following the public meeting.
The proposed Rules Include substance abuse/addiction treatment facilities; mental health clinics; and any other entity that meets the definition of a BHS provider. Licensed substance abuse/addiction treatment facilities and mental health clinics have one year from the date of promulgation of the final Rule to comply with all of the provisions herein.
Those exempt from the licensure requirements for “Behaviorial Health Service” providers include certain hospitals (licensed under certain conditios as described in the Rule) and similarily certain crisis receiving centers, nursing homes, psychiatric residential treatment facilities and therapeutic group homes, facilities or services operated by the federal government; federally qualified health care centers; community mental health centers, and others.
Also exemptions include any individual licensed mental health professional (LMHP), whether incorporated or unincorporated, or a group practice of LMHPs, providing services under the auspices of and pursuant to the scope of the individual’s license or group’s licenses, among others.
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