State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - Louisiana

Created in 1982, the program operates with a small central staff and 11-person board relying on sheriffs' offices within each of 64 parishes to perform initial work on each application. Board members are appointed by the governor for terms concurrent with the governor's, with one from each of seven Congressional districts, two at-large, and one nominated by a victim organization, along with the commission's executive director. Program Manager: Bob Wertz Board: Michael Ranatza, Hazel Adams, Carol Alexander, Fernest J. Benoit, Lamarr Davis, Leroy Falgoust, A. Edward Hardin, Elizabeth Harvey, Ann Polak, Herman Roberts, Bill Willis FUNDING The program receives a minimum of $50 per felony conviction and $7.50 per misdemeanor. Some traffic offenses are included. The program also receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 72 hours Filing period: 1 year Exceptions: Good cause; routinely waived for child victims PROCEDURES A staff liaison in each of 64 parish sheriffs' offices assists with the application process. Board staff reviews and processes all applications for monthly board meetings. All decisions are rendered by the board. Appeals: Applicant has 60 days to appeal by sending further information to the board. Applicant may appear at the board meeting where the appeal is decided. If appeal is denied, applicant may request judicial review in district court. BENEFITS Maximum award: $10,000; up to $25,000 may be awarded when injuries are total and permanent Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses: payment limited to 70% of billed and approved amount Mental health counseling: 26 sessions or 6 months, whichever comes first, with $5,000 maximum for primary victim and $2,000 maximum for secondary victims; $300 for evaluations or testing. Reimbursable rates for licensed or board-certified therapist: $60/hour masters' level; $75/hour Ph.D./M.D.; $25 per session for group therapy. Inpatient: 1 therapy session per day, lowest rate paid; no occupational or recreational therapy; no medication or macrobiotic supplements other than traditional psychiatric medications and analgesics; other allowable charges @ 50%. Lost wages/support: maximum of 10,000 (52 weeks @ maximum of $400 per week gross) Funerals: $3,500 Crime-scenecleanup/property damage:$10,000 maximum for loss of an abode by arson; expenses resulting from evidence collection and securing crime scene Replacement services: $1,000; up to $50 per week per child, $100 per week per family Travel: $300; medical portion @ 70%; 28 Cents per mile for private vehicle; $500 for air medical evacuation Attorney fees: not compensable unless hearing is called by hoard; limit of $50 per hour up to $250 Emergency: $500 Louisiana