2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 46:52.1 — Integrated case management; "no wrong door"

§52.1.  Integrated case management; "No Wrong Door"

A.  The legislature recognizes that the department provides services to individuals with multiple needs; however, the conventional service delivery system of requiring individuals to access various offices within the department to address those multiple needs creates a barrier to the delivery of services.  Additionally, these needs can be better met, more efficiently and less costly, through integrated case management at a "no wrong door" service location.  It is the intent of the legislature to provide a social services department that is streamlined in the delivery of services and incorporates integrated case management models for clients and families served by multiple programs.

B.  For purposes of this Section:

(1)  "Integrated case management" means a team approach to accessing the needs of a client and, if applicable, the family, establishing a comprehensive plan for addressing all those needs, and utilizing service integration to deliver required services.  An integrated case management model includes:

(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)  "Multidisciplinary team" or "team" means a team comprised of appropriate department program staff members, regardless of their title or office assignment.  It shall also include staff of the Department of Health and Hospitals, Department of Labor, and Department of Public Safety and Corrections and local community organizations.

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

(a)  A "No Wrong Door" site which requires co-location of a multidisciplinary team to make it easier for the client to obtain service and to allow the team to learn to work well together.  In the event co-location is not physically possible, the team members shall provide a seamless link with the other team members and resources.

(b)  Cross-training among the multidisciplinary team, to ensure a general understanding of each other's services and processes.

(c)  Flexible use of funding among the offices and, if applicable, departments and community programs, comprising the multidisciplinary team to ensure that the client receives services for which he is eligible.

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.

(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.  The secretaries of the Department of Health and Hospitals, Department of Labor, and Department of Public Safety and Corrections and local community organizations shall participate in the development of an integrated case management model, both in providing within their respective organizations the leadership and planning required of the secretary of the Department of Social Services in Paragraph (C)(1) of this Section and in assisting the secretary of the Department of Social Services in developing forms and screening tools, providing training, improving communication, and providing with respect to funding, all as listed in Paragraph (C)(2) of this Section.

Acts 2003, No. 726, §1; Acts 2005, No. 88, §1, eff. June 21, 2005.