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HCR 67

HEALTH CARE/FACILITIES: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to study and report on gaps in acute healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 45 co-sponsors

Study to identify gaps in acute care for IDD individuals and propose a coordinated care model with policy/funding changes to improve transitions from hospital to home/community.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HCR 67

Summary of Louisiana HCR 67 (2026 Regular Session)

What the bill does

  • HCR 67 is a House Concurrent Resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to conduct a comprehensive study on gaps in acute healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and to develop recommendations for a coordinated system of care across healthcare settings, titled the “Derek’s Promise Study.”
  • The LDH must deliver a written report of findings and recommendations to the House and Senate health and welfare committees by February 1, 2027.

Purpose and intent

  • To identify and quantify gaps in acute care availability for people with IDD, including those served by home- and community-based waivers, licensed group homes or community homes, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and Medicaid-funded services in private residence.
  • To propose a coordinated model that ensures medically necessary care follows the individual and is delivered in the most appropriate and least restrictive setting.
  • To develop policy and funding recommendations to improve access, flexibility, and capacity for acute-level services, with a focus on a seamless transition from hospital to home or community-based settings.

Key provisions and areas of focus

  • Define gaps in acute care access:
    • Gaps affecting IDD individuals in various living arrangements (home- and community-based waivers, group homes, ICF/IID facilities, private homes with Medicaid services).
    • Barriers within Medicaid and waiver systems (service limitations/caps during acute episodes, prior authorization delays, workforce shortages, reimbursement structures).
    • Hospital utilization issues (preventable admissions, extended stays due to limited discharge options, readmissions related to inadequate post-acute support).
  • Develop a coordinated acute care pathway model:
    • Hospital-to-home/community transition processes.
    • Acute care delivery models within community-based or facility settings.
    • Feasibility of hospital-at-home or similar models for IDD populations.
    • Continuity of care plans across settings.
  • Policy and funding recommendations:
    • Modifications to the Medicaid state plan, increased waiver flexibility during acute episodes, reimbursement adjustments to support acute care delivery, and strategies to expand provider capacity and workforce.
  • Rural and underserved access solutions:
    • Telehealth, remote monitoring, mobile clinical support teams, and regional partnerships to broaden access.
  • Collaboration:
    • LDH to consult with or collaborate with: Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Bureau of Health Services Financing, providers of home- and community-based services, ICFs, group homes, physicians and other healthcare professionals experienced with IDD, disability advocacy groups, families/caregivers, and rural healthcare representatives.

Who is affected

  • Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on:
    • Home- and community-based waivers
    • Licensed group homes or community homes
    • Intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID)
    • Private homes supported by Medicaid-funded services
  • Medicaid and waiver program administrators, healthcare providers, and facilities that deliver acute care or coordinate post-acute services
  • Rural and underserved communities that may benefit from telehealth, mobile teams, and regional partnerships

Timelines and procedural aspects

  • The LDH is instructed to conduct the study and prepare a written report with findings and recommendations.
  • Final reporting deadline: February 1, 2027.
  • The resolution requires the LDH to submit the report to the House and Senate committees on health and welfare and to transmit a copy to the LDH Secretary.

Summary assessment

  • A non-binding, investigative measure aimed at diagnosing gaps in acute care access for IDD populations and proposing a structured, coordinated care framework.
  • Focuses on improving transitions between hospital and community settings, expanding access to acute care outside traditional hospital settings, and addressing Medicaid/waiver barriers.
  • Emphasizes rural solutions and cross-sector collaboration to inform potential policy and funding changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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