Behavioral Health Discharge Planning Requirements

Date: 03/05/26

With the implementation of Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Amendment 10, hospitals are required to enhance discharge planning practices for Louisiana Healthcare Connections members hospitalized for behavioral health–related conditions.

Discharge Planning Requirement

Hospitals must ensure the following discharge planning activities are completed for applicable hospitalizations:

• Development of a discharge plan that includes scheduling an aftercare appointment with a behavioral health provider as soon as clinically indicated, but no later than seven (7) calendar days from the date of discharge.
• Notification from the facility to Louisiana Healthcare Connections of the member’s discharge and plan within 24 hours of leaving the facility.
• This requirement applies to all enrollees hospitalized for behavioral health–related conditions unless there is documented enrollee refusal.
• Documentation of the scheduled appointment or enrollee refusal must be maintained in the medical record in accordance with applicable state, federal, and contractual requirements.

Assistance With Provider Identification and Care Coordination

Louisiana Healthcare Connections is available to support hospitals with discharge planning and care coordination activities, including:

• Locating behavioral health providers in the enrollee’s geographic area
• Identifying behavioral health providers who can accept an aftercare appointment within seven (7) calendar days of discharge
• Supporting additional discharge‑related care coordination needs

Louisiana Healthcare Connections Contact Information

For assistance, hospitals may contact Louisiana Healthcare Connections using the information below:

• Telephone: 866‑595‑8132
• Email: BHHospitalDischargePlanning@centene.com

We appreciate your continued partnership in ensuring timely access to behavioral health follow‑up care and in supporting improved outcomes for Louisiana Healthcare Connections members.