R523-2-5. LMHA/LSAA Fee Policy

  (1) Each LMHA/LSAA shall require all programs that receive federal and state funds from the Division and provide services to clients to establish a policy to set and collect fees.

  (a) Each fee policy shall include:

  (i) A fee reduction plan based on the client's ability to pay for services; and

  (ii) A provision that clients who have received an assessment and require mental health or substance use disorder services shall not be denied services based on the lack of ability to pay.

  (b) Any adjustments to the assessed fee shall follow the procedures approved by the LMHA/LSAA.

  (2) The governing body of each LMHA/LSAA shall approve the fee policy and shall set a usual and customary rate for services rendered.

  (3) All LMHA/LSAA programs shall provide a written explanation of the fee policy to all clients at the time of intake except in the case of emergency services.

  (4) All clients shall be assessed fees based on:

  (a) The usual and customary rate established by the LMHA/LSAA, or

  (b) A negotiated contracted cost of services rendered to clients.

  (5) Fees assessed to clients shall not exceed the average cost of delivering the service.

  (6) All fees assessed to clients, including upfront administrative fees, shall be reasonable as determined by the LMHA/LSAA.

  (7) All programs shall make reasonable effort to collect outstanding fee charges and may use an outside collection agency.

  (8) All programs may reduce the assessed fee for services if the fee is determined to be a financial hardship for the client.

  (9) The Division shall annually review each program's policy and fee schedule to ensure that the elements set in this rule are incorporated.