Art. 581.2. Contractual agreement; duty to negotiate
A.(1) The department shall, in good faith, negotiate contractual agreements with
legal representation agencies operating within the state to allow the agencies to claim
reimbursement for Title IV-E eligible legal representation costs as provided for in this
Article.
(2) The department shall provide technical assistance to a legal representation agency
to ensure compliance with federal requirements to make a claim for Title IV-E eligible legal
representation costs.
(3) The department shall have the right to incorporate a reasonable administrative
fee in the agreement as needed.
(4) A legal representation agency seeking initial Title IV-E reimbursement shall
submit notice to the department by August first of each year for inclusion in the next fiscal
year. A new agreement shall not take effect before July first of the following fiscal year. The
department shall exercise good faith in limiting the number of new agencies receiving Title
IV-E reimbursement each year based on capacity.
B. The contractual agreement shall include provisions for all of the following:
(1) Title IV-E eligible legal representation cost reimbursement methodology and
rates consistent with standard legal representation billing.
(2) A process by which the legal representation agency shall submit the billing for
reimbursement.
(3) A requirement that the legal representation agency provide documentation to
substantiate the billing reimbursement claim.
(4) A procedure for processing and disbursing the funds received as reimbursement.
(5) A requirement that the legal representation agency timely complete orders to
determine Title IV-E eligibility of the client.
(6) A requirement that the legal representation agency remain in full compliance with
all of the Title IV-E program requisites.
(7) The right of any state or federal partner agency to audit the performance or billing
of the legal representation agency pursuant to the agreement.
Acts 2026, No. 758, §1.