§1071.3. Program functions and responsibilities

The secretary of the department shall develop and administer the program for combating multiple handicapping conditions, which shall:

(1) Provide for the oversight of the regional multidisciplinary teams established pursuant to R.S. 40:1071.4, the coordination of statewide care, and which shall serve as an avenue for communication among the teams.

(2) Collect and disseminate information concerning the latest proven advances in treatment methods for spinal cord dysfunctions.

(3) Work with all appropriate agencies, organizations, and individuals throughout the state to develop a fully integrated statewide network of coordinated services for persons with spinal cord disabilities, providing for all needed services, including but not limited to early detection, all phases of emergency care, habilitation, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.

(4) Identify all possible and existing funding sources and other resources for each service identified in the treatment plan for an individual for which he may be eligible and assist such individual in obtaining the necessary funds from existing sources.

(5) Assist appropriate public and private agencies and individuals in development of proposals for submission to the proper authorities for obtaining all available federal, state, and private monies which could be applied towards the objectives of the program.

(6) Develop and implement a system for the early identification of persons with congenital spinal cord disabilities and for referral of such persons for assistance, including establishment of a voluntary central registry of such persons; and develop and implement a system for the early identification of persons with acquired spinal cord disabilities, for the referral of such persons for assistance, and for the mandatory reporting of spinal cord injuries to a central registry without regard to the age of the injured person.

(7) Develop standards for determining financial eligibility for assistance in defraying the cost of care and treatment of spinal cord dysfunctions.

(8) Inform parents of children with spinal cord disabilities, citizens, families, and agencies of the availability of programs and services.

(9) Identify and cooperate with existing agencies, organizations, and individuals offering services to persons with spinal cord disabilities.

(10) Identify service needs which cannot be adequately met by existing agencies.

(11) Repealed by Acts 1993, No. 468, §2, eff. June 9, 1993.

Added by Acts 1981, No. 690, §2; Acts 1985, No. 343, §1, eff. July 9, 1985; Acts 1993, No. 468, §2, eff. June 9, 1993; Acts 2014, No. 811, §22, eff. June 23, 2014; Redesignated from R.S. 40:1299.114 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.