(The Center Square) − Louisiana Economic Development is planning to mandate new rules for public services, including health care and education.
The proposed rules address the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise scholarship program, Medicaid programs, voting systems and park operations.
LED’s proposed procurement code updates aim to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic delays without significant cost changes.
The Louisiana Department of Health introduced updates to multiple programs, including provisions to support rural hospitals and amendments to the Community Choices Waiver.
The rural hospital rules continue the provisions of a September 16, 2024, emergency rule aimed at maintaining financial viability and ensuring access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries.
These rules are expected to increase Medicaid payments by $16.3 million for inpatient services and $13.5 million for outpatient services in fiscal 2024-25, with similar increases in subsequent years.
The proposed changes to the community choice waiver add a new priority group, update requirements for employee background checks, revise language to align with wage floor requirements and modify rules on workforce retention bonuses.
The state health department confirmed that implementing the community choice waiver amendments will not result in additional costs for providers or small businesses through fiscal 2026-27.
Other proposals include BESE’s Louisiana GATOR Scholarship Program, which provides financial relief for families below 400% of the federal poverty level, and new certification fees for voting system makers and suppliers to cover expert analysis and related costs.
Additionally, minor fee increases are proposed for state park patrons, and parents of students with dyslexia may benefit from savings through private testing options.