RS 1071 - Statement of purpose
A. In order to extend and improve, as far as practical under the conditions in this state, services for children with special health care needs and in order to provide leadership in the development and implementation of systems of care for the provision of medical, surgical, corrective, social, and other services and facilities for the diagnosis, hospitalization, and follow-up care which are family-centered, community-based, coordinated, and culturally competent for children with special health care needs, the Louisiana Department of Health, office of public health, is designated the agency of the state, through a program known as "Children's Special Health Services", to cooperate with the United States under the terms of Title V of the Social Security Act or any amendment thereof relating to services to these children, and to receive and expend federal monies for such services.
B.(1) The legislature hereby declares that one of the most serious problems facing medicine and the public health and welfare today is the absence of an adequate program to assist in the treatment, habilitation, and rehabilitation of persons suffering from spina bifida and other congenital or acquired spinal cord dysfunctions. Furthermore, it has been found that a fully coordinated approach to early identification is presently lacking, and yet is essential for guaranteeing the minimization of permanent disability.
(2) Therefore, in order to afford each citizen of the state of Louisiana every opportunity to develop his or her fullest human potential, it is a purpose of this Part to provide a comprehensive, coordinated approach to the care and treatment of spinal cord dysfunctions.
Added by Acts 1981, No. 690, §2. Acts 1993, No. 468, §1, eff. June 9, 1993; Redesignated from R.S. 40:1299.111 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.