New Regulations for Louisiana In-Home Care Proposed for 2015

In a compliance assessment released by the Department of Health and Hospitals Aging and Adult Services, Louisiana has until the end of February to gather and analyze all care provider assessments to determine if the care provided for the aging population within residential settings are compliant with Federal Regulations. From January 5th, 2015 until February 27, 2015, Louisiana will perform assessments of all non-residential settings to establish their degree of compliance.

The settings will be placed into one of these three categories:

• Yes, setting is fully compliant
• Not yet, but setting will comply with changes
• No, setting does not comply

These regulations were published by CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a means of defining the settings in those states that are allowed to offer home Medicaid or community-based services, such as the state of Louisiana does.

What Purpose Do These New Regulations Serve?

In a nutshell, these new laws have been put in place to make sure that people receiving Medicaid HCBS in residential settings are given choices regarding where they live and in who provides their services. For example, if an individual wants to have a CARE, Inc. assistant, they have a right to make that choice, rather than having their caretakers decided for them.

This gives individuals who are in need of care greater access to the resources within their communities. Care, Inc. serves primarily the Hammond, Covington, LaPlace and Baton Rouge areas of Louisiana, however we do have Care, Inc. staff available in other regions, so it is best to contact us to learn how we can help you.

How Can I Acquire This Information?

The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) and the DOHH State Website have a number of useful information on their site, including summaries and descriptions that are available for public review. These transition plans are not limited to the aging population. Evaluations of the HCBS residential settings will also coincide with the New Opportunities Waiver, Children's Choice Waiver, Supports Waiver and Residential Options Waiver. These will give assurance both to the citizens in the community that their taxpayer dollars are being used properly and not being abused by fraudulent actions – such as someone misusing the privilege of having a care worker in their home and say, hiring a friend or family member – and to further ensure that the guidelines are being met properly.

Each state will evaluate their HCBS programs individually to determine compliance, as well as being required to engage and inform the public of these programs.  All providers, participant in the programs, advocates, and community stakeholders will be given an opportunity to voice their ideas or concerns, prior to the final submission. Once again, February 27, 2015 is the proposed deadline for the final transition plan to be implemented and integrated within the care system.

Read More About This Here.