A. The department may, in addition to the powers conferred on it by this Chapter and in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, exercise the following functions:

            (1) Provide for the care and treatment, in privately owned hospitals and other institutions, of sick persons who are indigent or destitute, including persons with mental illness or who are mentally deficient.

            (2) Furnish to persons who are indigent or destitute proper dental, medical, surgical and other treatment, including their transportation to the point of treatment and return.

            (3) Contract or enter into agreement for such care and treatment upon such terms as may be agreed upon between the parties to the arrangements.

            (4) Employ such physicians, interns and other employees as may, in its opinion, be necessary for the proper care and treatment of persons who are indigent or destitute under this Chapter.

            (5) The department may establish maintenance allowances for officials and employees of the hospitals and schools under its administration and for other purposes.

            (6) Cooperate with other agencies of the state in carrying into effect the laws of the State in relation to any programs designed to improve services rendered persons in need of and eligible for such services.

            B. Subject to appropriation by the legislature, the Louisiana Department of Health shall provide for the inclusion of licensed clinical social workers and medical psychologists as providers for the purposes of Medicaid reimbursement. Such licensed clinical social workers and medical psychologists shall have a minimum of three years experience working in private practice. The Louisiana Department of Health shall also establish an administrative services organization for oversight of all behavioral health services.

            Added by Acts 1958, No. 38, §1. Amended by Acts 1964, No. 170, §7; Acts 2007, No. 343, §1; Acts 2014, No. 811, §22, eff. June 23, 2014.