RS 40:1249.4: Electronic visit verification system; implementation; conditions

A. For purposes of this Section, "electronic visit verification system" means an automated point-of-service verification system which electronically verifies that service visits occur and documents the points in time when service provision begins and ends.

B. The legislature hereby finds that due to the significant potential of electronic visit verification systems for improving care quality and containing medical assistance program costs, notably through prevention of fraud, abuse, and billing errors, the implementation of such systems in home- and community-based long-term care and other in-home service care programs is in the best interest of this state.

C. To the maximum extent practicable, and subject to the conditions provided in Subsection D of this Section, the department shall implement an electronic visit verification system for all in-home care services that it funds through medical assistance programs.

D.(1) If the conditions of Paragraph (3) of this Subsection are satisfied, then the department shall promulgate such rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to ensure optimal functioning of the electronic visit verification system.

(2) The department may provide rate enhancements and other financial incentives to providers of long-term care services to facilitate timely and effective implementation of the electronic visit verification system.

(3) The department may implement an electronic visit verification system only if the fiscal impact thereof is reasonably expected to be cost-neutral or result in cost savings.