§52.1. Integrated case management; service integration of various social service programs

            A. The legislature recognizes that the Louisiana Department of Health, Department of Children and Family Services, and Louisiana Works provide services to individuals with multiple needs. However, the conventional service delivery system of requiring individuals to access various offices within the state to address those multiple needs creates barriers to the delivery of those services and entry into the workforce. These needs can be better met, more efficiently and less costly, through integrated case management at a single service location with a single case worker. It is the intent of the legislature to streamline the delivery of services and incorporate integrated case management models for clients and families served by multiple departments and programs.

            B. For purposes of this Section:

            (1) "Integrated case management" means an accessible, customer-centered approach that coordinates the necessary services that meet the needs of each individual or family which, if applicable, establishes a comprehensive, integrated service plan that addresses all of those needs and outcomes, which is continually monitored and updated as necessary.

            (a) A multidisciplinary team, natural supports to the client, and the client or advocate, in order to develop an integrated service plan.

            (b) A client-centered integrated service plan, based on the client's strengths, risks, service desires, and service needs.

            (c) A lead case manager to coordinate the joint planning and coordinated delivery of services for the client.

            (d) Monitoring and evaluation of the service plan, services, and outcomes to allow the team to make model change as appropriate.

            (2) "Integrated service plan" means a plan that is based on the client's strengths, risks, service needs, and improvement plan.

            (3) "Service integration" means a process by which a range of social, education, and workforce employment and training services are delivered in a coordinated and seamless manner to provide client-oriented services, increase early intervention and prevention opportunities, improve outcomes, and establish provider accountability through performance measures. Service integration includes:

            (a) A "One Door" business model which makes it easier for the client to obtain services and allows various programs to work seamlessly together.

            (b) Cross-training among the various program staff to ensure a general understanding of all programs that a client may require.

            (c) Flexible use of funding among the departments to ensure that the client receives services for which he is eligible.

NOTE: Subsections (C)-(F) eff. until Oct. 1, 2027. See Acts 2025, No. 478.

            C.(1) The secretary shall begin the process of developing and implementing an integrated case management model by providing the leadership, planning, data, and ability to deliver social services and, if applicable, other services, to clients by:

            (a) Encouraging within the department multidisciplinary team collaboration in the rendering of services and encouraging the participation of other departments and local community organizations.

            (b) Co-locating programs from different offices within the department. Co-location of offices shall not be necessary in situations where the offices are located within two miles of each other.

            (c) Improving access to services, including minimizing the number of contacts the client is required to make with the department.

            (d) Sharing data and information across offices and, if applicable, across departments and with local community organizations.

            (e) Identifying opportunities for leveraging and matching funds among offices, departments, and local community organizations.

            (2) The secretary shall develop and implement a shared consent form and a common screening tool for multiple-need clients, provide cross-program training, improve communication through information technology, and devise a method for flexible funding across offices. The secretary is urged to include other departments and local community programs in performing the requirements of this Paragraph.

            D. The secretary shall provide an implementation and strategy plan for a pilot program to the House Health and Welfare Committee before March 1, 2004.

            E. To advance the purposes set forth in this Section and R.S. 46:52.2, the secretaries for the Louisiana Department of Health and the Department of Children and Family Services, the secretary of Louisiana Works, the deputy secretary for youth services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and the state superintendent of education shall guide the implementation of service delivery integration designed to meet the needs of children and their families. All delivery of integrated services shall be in accordance with the statutory authority of each agency or department.

            F. This state leadership group shall:

            (1) Identify opportunities and implement recommendations regarding human services integration.

            (2) Provide plans to execute the collective recommendations of these departments.

            (3) Lead execution of service integration plans to include:

            (a) Comprehensive screening for needs, coordinated assessment and referrals in multiple areas including, but not limited to the following:

            (i) Academic challenges.

            (ii) Behavioral problems.

            (iii) Family stability.

            (iv) Alcohol and drug abuse.

            (v) Domestic violence.

            (vi) Mental health concerns.

            (vii) Employment and training.

            (viii) Food and shelter.

            (b) Screening, eligibility, and redeterminations for temporary assistance programs, Medicaid, and nutrition assistance benefits.

            (c) Data sharing capabilities among participating agencies for the purposes of service delivery and statistical research.

            (d) Child abuse intervention and prevention.

            (e) Student attendance support.

            (f) Other local human services.

            (4) Identify targeted outcome results of service integration.

            (5) Attain regular measures of performance relative to the targeted outcomes of service integration.

NOTE: Subsections (C)-(F) as repealed by Acts 2025, No. 478, eff. Oct. 1, 2027.

            C-F. Repealed by Acts 2025, No. 478, §17, eff. Oct. 1, 2027.

            G. The guiding principles shall be to:

            (1) Support community human service endeavors that transcend and strengthen any single agency's mission.

            (2) Recognize that collaboration occurs among people, not among institutions.

            (3) Encourage agencies to fully cooperate through productive dialogue and action that dissolves barriers and advances more effective service delivery.

            (4) Promote a commitment to collaboration at every level of participating organizations.

            (5) Recognize the diversity of both the community to be served and the providers.

            (6) Recognize and address the obstacles local agencies, organizations, or institutions will face in this process.

            (7) Instill mutual accountability among all participating organizations measured qualitatively and quantitatively.

            (8) Promote maximization of state general fund investments and increase the state's return on investments.

            (9) Prevent fraud and abuse to ensure funds are appropriately utilized.

            Acts 2003, No. 726, §1; Acts 2005, No. 88, §1, eff. June 21, 2005; Acts 2007, No. 122, §1, eff. June 25, 2007; Acts 2008, No. 743, §7, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2008, No. 775, §1, eff. July 6, 2008; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5; Acts 2025, No. 478, §12, eff. Oct. 1, 2025; Acts 2025, No. 478, §17, eff. Oct. 1, 2027.