Louisiana § RS 46:1453 - Services and supports; eligibility

§ RS 46:1453. Services and supports; eligibility

            A.(1) The program shall provide direct services, supports, social services case management, and referrals to biological parents of unborn children and biological or adoptive parents of children under the age of two years.

            (2) The program shall deliver services exclusively through electronic means, including synchronous and asynchronous interactions, utilizing the telecare support network provided for in R.S. 46:1452 unless the legislature specifically appropriates monies for other modes of service delivery.

            B. The components of the program shall include, without limitation, all of the following:

            (1) Outreach to at-risk populations eligible for the program.

            (2) Utilization of registered nurses, who shall be licensed in accordance with R.S. 37:911 et seq., to perform the following functions:

            (a) Assessment and evaluation of needs related to pregnancy or parenting.

            (b) Provision of medically accurate, pregnancy-related medical information to program participants.

            (3) Utilization of social workers, who shall be licensed in accordance with R.S. 37:2701 et seq., or other licensed individuals with equivalent experience to perform the following functions:

            (a) Development of a care plan, resources, and supports for program participants to address identified needs.

            (b) Referrals to appropriate local resources including, without limitation, state and federal benefits programs and local charitable organizations.

            (c) Assistance in applying for state and federal benefits programs.

            (d) Assistance in accomplishing elements of the care plan.

            (4) Coordination for pregnant women served by the telecare support network of appointments with in-person pregnancy resources centers or similar agencies in this state which provide information and services including, without limitation, counseling, ultrasound services, pregnancy tests, prenatal assistance, parenting classes, material support, and adoption information.

            C. In order to be eligible to receive services through the program, an individual shall, at the time of initial contact with the program, meet all of the following requirements:

            (1) Is a resident of this state.

            (2) Is a biological parent of an unborn child or a biological or adoptive parent of a child under the age of two years.

            D. Any program participant who terminates a pregnancy shall be eligible to continue receiving services through the program for a period of six months from the date of the pregnancy termination.

            Acts 2022, No. 561, §1, eff. June 17, 2022.