§ 28:12 — Legislative declaration of intent

§12. Legislative declaration of intent
It is the intent of the legislature to preserve vital state funding for behavioral health
services to ensure delivery of and access to quality care for those in desperate need of such
services throughout the state. Many citizens in the state have limited access to behavioral
health services because of the massive cuts, both federal and state, in behavioral health
funding. The legislature also finds that the provision of high-quality behavioral health
services, regardless of setting, is of overriding importance. The state wholly supports efforts
to assist individuals suffering from serious and persistent mental illness, substance-related
or addictive disorders, or both in their efforts to participate fully in society. As such, the
Louisiana Department of Health, referred to hereafter in this Part as the "department", should
streamline the delivery of behavioral health services through the prudent allocation of
existing resources. The department will improve the safety and health of individuals,
families, and communities by providing leadership and establishing and participating in
partnerships for the continuation of behavioral health services throughout the state, including
cooperative agreements, mergers, joint ventures, and consolidations among behavioral health
care facilities. Consumer and advocate participation in the process can only aid in the
delivery of services to those most in need. To improve the quality of services available and
promote treatment, which often involves the rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration of
persons suffering from mental illness, substance-related or addictive disorders, or both, the
state should secure adequate funding for behavioral health services and require state
departments to exercise fiscal responsibility in the allocation of these resources.

Legislative History

Acts 2012, No. 506, §1; Acts 2017, No. 369, §2.