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            It is the intent of the legislature to preserve vital state funding for behavioral health services to ensure delivery of and access to quality care for those in desperate need of such services throughout the state. Many citizens in the state have limited access to behavioral health services because of the massive cuts, both federal and state, in behavioral health funding. The legislature also finds that the provision of high-quality behavioral health services, regardless of setting, is of overriding importance. The state wholly supports efforts to assist individuals suffering from serious and persistent mental illness, substance-related or addictive disorders, or both in their efforts to participate fully in society. As such, the Louisiana Department of Health, referred to hereafter in this Part as the “department”, should streamline the delivery of behavioral health services through the prudent allocation of existing resources. The department will improve the safety and health of individuals, families, and communities by providing leadership and establishing and participating in partnerships for the continuation of behavioral health services throughout the state, including cooperative agreements, mergers, joint ventures, and consolidations among behavioral health care facilities. Consumer and advocate participation in the process can only aid in the delivery of services to those most in need. To improve the quality of services available and promote treatment, which often involves the rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration of persons suffering from mental illness, substance-related or addictive disorders, or both, the state should secure adequate funding for behavioral health services and require state departments to exercise fiscal responsibility in the allocation of these resources.

            Acts 2012, No. 506, §1; Acts 2017, No. 369, §2.