Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee- House
Video
Transcript
1 document
Bills discussed (65)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SB117
· 8 mentions in transcript, chapter, agenda
Matched: “Senate Bill 117, and if a cheer will allow I've got Mamie Burris, uh, that…”
|
TO CREATE THE NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN PRACTICE ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSURE OF NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS IN … | C. Penzo | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1079
Act 860
· 4 mentions in chapter, agenda, transcript
Matched: “HB1079 F. Allen TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR AN INH…”
|
TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR AN INHERITED GENE MUTATION FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS; AND … | F. Allen | Notification that HB1079 is now Act 860 |
|
HB1255
Act 857
· 4 mentions in agenda, transcript, chapter
Matched: “…FOR EVIDENCE-BASED CANCER IMAGING FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS. HB1255 Wooldridge TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MO…”
|
TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. | Wooldridge | Notification that HB1255 is now Act 857 |
|
SB560
Act 740
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript, agenda
Matched: “SB560 J. English TO DECREASE THE BASE CONTRIBUTION RATE; TO INCRE…”
|
TO DECREASE THE BASE CONTRIBUTION RATE; TO INCREASE THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT RATE; TO INCREASE FUNDING … | J. English | Notification that SB560 is now Act 740 |
|
SB632
Act 964
· 4 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “…sor. Good morning, committee. This is a pretty simple bill, Senate Bill 632 is an act to amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and to…”
|
TO AMEND THE FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO REQUIRE WARNING LABELS FOR HAIR … | F. Love | Notification that SB632 is now Act 964 |
|
HB1429
Act 854
· 3 mentions in agenda, transcript, chapter
Matched: “…ONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. HB1429 M. Shepherd TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING QUALIT…”
|
TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING QUALITY FOR CERTAIN FACILITIES PERFORMING MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES; AND TO AMEND … | M. Shepherd | Notification that HB1429 is now Act 854 |
|
HB1679
Act 861
· 3 mentions in agenda, chapter, transcript
Matched: “…STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION OF FACILITIES FOR MAMMOGRAPHY. HB1679 M. Brown TO AMEND THE REVISED ARKANSAS ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT;…”
|
TO AMEND THE REVISED ARKANSAS ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT; TO ALLOW CERTAIN CLASSES OF PERSONS TO … | M. Brown | Notification that HB1679 is now Act 861 |
|
HB1734
Act 862
· 3 mentions in chapter, agenda, transcript
Matched: “HB1734 Childress TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; A…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; AND TO CLARIFY THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY … | Childress | Notification that HB1734 is now Act 862 |
|
HB1008
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1008 A. Collins TO REQUIRE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR POSTPARTUM MOTH…”
|
TO REQUIRE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR POSTPARTUM MOTHERS FOR ONE YEAR AFTER GIVING BIRTH. | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1010
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1010 A. Collins TO SET THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE IN THE ARKANSAS ME…”
|
TO SET THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES. | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1011
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES. HB1011 A. Collins TO CREATE THE RESTORE ROE ACT; AND TO RESTORE A…”
|
TO CREATE THE RESTORE ROE ACT; AND TO RESTORE A WOMAN'S ACCESS TO ABORTION SERVICES. | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1012
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ACT; AND TO RESTORE A WOMAN'S ACCESS TO ABORTION SERVICES. HB1012 A. Collins TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO EXTE…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS FOR FAMILY PLANNING … | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1013
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1013 Hudson TO PROTECT FERTILITY TREATMENT RIGHTS IN THIS STATE.”
|
TO PROTECT FERTILITY TREATMENT RIGHTS IN THIS STATE. | Hudson | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1029
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1029 D. Garner TO SET THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE IN THE ARKANSAS MED…”
|
TO SET THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND … | D. Garner | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1032
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…R MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SERVICES RELATED TO ADDICTION. HB1032 A. Collins TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY. HB1132 Pilkington TO…”
|
TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY. | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1132
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…TO ADDICTION. HB1032 A. Collins TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY. HB1132 Pilkington TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVID…”
|
TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES; AND TO AMEND … | Pilkington | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1224
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RIPTIVE AUTHORITY OF AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE. HB1224 Nazarenko TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR…”
|
TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; AND TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC … | Nazarenko | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1244
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1244 K. Brown TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE…”
|
TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF FULL INDEPENDENT PRACTICE AUTHORITY BY A … | K. Brown | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1270
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1270 Pilkington TO ESTABLISH A PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CAR…”
|
TO ESTABLISH A PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CARE PILOT PROGRAM THROUGH A SECTION 1115 MEDICAID DEMONSTRATION … | Pilkington | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1302
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…MEDICAID DEMONSTRATION WAIVER; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1302 L. Johnson TO ADD DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY TO THE UNIVER…”
|
TO ADD DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY TO THE UNIVERSAL NEWBORN SCREENING ACT. | L. Johnson | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1532
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1532 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS RARE DISEASE ADVISORY COU…”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS RARE DISEASE ADVISORY COUNCIL. | L. Johnson | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1566
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1566 McClure TO REQUIRE ADOPTION OF A STATEWIDE PRACTICAL NURSIN…”
|
TO REQUIRE ADOPTION OF A STATEWIDE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM CORE CURRICULUM TO INCREASE CONSISTENCY IN … | McClure | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1588
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1588 McAlindon TO REQUIRE APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFOR…”
|
TO REQUIRE APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SEEKS OR … | McAlindon | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1592
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…LUM TO INCREASE CONSISTENCY IN PRACTICAL NURSING EDUCATION. HB1592 J. Mayberry TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA…”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA PUBLIC HEALTH ACT. | J. Mayberry | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1723
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1723 Pilkington TO AMEND INITIATED ACT 1 OF 2000, ALSO KNOWN AS…”
|
TO AMEND INITIATED ACT 1 OF 2000, ALSO KNOWN AS THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS ACT; … | Pilkington | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1776
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…AN EXPANSION OF COVERAGE FOR THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. HB1776 Lundstrum TO AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED REQUIRED TO OBTA…”
|
TO AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL OR TRANSFER … | Lundstrum | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1781
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ADMINISTER A GRANT PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS. HB1781 Crawford TO AUTHORIZE THE LICENSURE OF CLINICS, HEALTH CENT…”
|
TO AUTHORIZE THE LICENSURE OF CLINICS, HEALTH CENTERS, OR OTHER FACILITIES IN WHICH A PREGNANCY … | Crawford | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1791
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1791 C. Cooper TO CLARIFY THAT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND…”
|
TO CLARIFY THAT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND THE UNITED NATIONS DO NOT HAVE JURISDICTION … | C. Cooper | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1795
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1795 A. Brown TO CREATE THE FERTILITY CLINIC LICENSURE ACT.”
|
TO CREATE THE FERTILITY CLINIC LICENSURE ACT. | A. Brown | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1818
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1818 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED CARE TRANSPA…”
|
TO CREATE THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED CARE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. | L. Johnson | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1880
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1880 Hudson TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HUMAN LIFE PROTECTION ACT AND…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HUMAN LIFE PROTECTION ACT AND THE ARKANSAS UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT … | Hudson | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1882
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RS FOR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD. HB1882 Pilkington TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF ENROLLABLE MEDICAID B…”
|
TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF ENROLLABLE MEDICAID BENEFICIARY POPULATION AND ALLOW THE GOVERNOR TO DESIGNATE … | Pilkington | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1890
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1890 J. Mayberry TO ALLOW SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO BILL FOR HEALTHCAR…”
|
TO ALLOW SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO BILL FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES; AND TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID … | J. Mayberry | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1906
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1906 Lundstrum TO REQUIRE WRITTEN CONSENT OF A PARENT OR LEGAL G…”
|
TO REQUIRE WRITTEN CONSENT OF A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN WHEN PRESCRIBING LONG-ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION … | Lundstrum | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1908
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1908 Long TO CREATE THE PROOF OF RESIDENCY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE…”
|
TO CREATE THE PROOF OF RESIDENCY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING … | Long | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1909
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…QUIRE PROOF OF RESIDENCY FOR ADULT APPLICANTS. Page 4 of 5 HB1909 Long TO CREATE THE PUBLIC SERVICES ONLY FOR CITIZENS ACT; A…”
|
TO CREATE THE PUBLIC SERVICES ONLY FOR CITIZENS ACT; AND TO REQUIRE VERIFICATION OF CITIZENSHIP … | Long | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1996
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1996 Gramlich TO AMEND THE CHILD LABOR LAWS ENACTED BY INITIATED…”
|
TO AMEND THE CHILD LABOR LAWS ENACTED BY INITIATED ACT 1 OF 1914; TO ESTABLISH … | Gramlich | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1998
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…AND TO CREATE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS RELATED TO CHILD LABOR. HB1998 Torres TO CREATE THE JAMES MCFERRON MENTAL HEALTH, WELLNESS…”
|
TO CREATE THE JAMES MCFERRON MENTAL HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND RESILIENCY ACT; AND TO IMPROVE ACCESS … | Torres | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
SB120
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB120 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR ALL PRIVATE CARE AGENCIES…”
|
TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR ALL PRIVATE CARE AGENCIES IN THIS STATE; AND TO ENSURE CONSUMER … | C. Penzo | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB121
Act 968
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB121 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR…”
|
TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB121 is now Act 968 |
|
SB122
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…URE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT TO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS. SB122 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR…”
|
TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL … | C. Penzo | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB187
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB187 Irvin TO AMEND THE COMPOSITION OF THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID DRU…”
|
TO AMEND THE COMPOSITION OF THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID DRUG UTILIZATION REVIEW BOARD TO INCLUDE PHYSICIAN … | Irvin | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB2
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB2 C. Penzo TO REPEAL THE STATEWIDE FLUORIDATION PROGRAM; AND…”
|
TO REPEAL THE STATEWIDE FLUORIDATION PROGRAM; AND TO REMOVE THE MANDATE FOR WATER SYSTEMS TO … | C. Penzo | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB217
Act 969
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB217 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQ…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQUEST A WAIVER TO EXCLUDE CANDY AND … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB217 is now Act 969 |
|
SB238
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB238 J. Payton TO AMEND THE USED TIRE RECYCLING AND ACCOUNTABILI…”
|
TO AMEND THE USED TIRE RECYCLING AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. | J. Payton | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB255
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…FOODS UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. SB255 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "DRUG" WITHIN THE FOOD,…”
|
TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "DRUG" WITHIN THE FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO … | C. Penzo | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB262
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. SB262 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRI…”
|
TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRINE; AND TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL … | C. Penzo | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB311
Act 772
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB311 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE END ORGAN AND GENOMIC HARVESTING ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE END ORGAN AND GENOMIC HARVESTING ACT; TO PROHIBIT COVERAGE OF CERTAIN HUMAN … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB311 is now Act 772 |
|
SB347
Act 1025
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…TO ENSURE CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR VULNERABLE AGING ADULTS. SB347 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO INCREA…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO INCREASE REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR CERTAIN DENTAL SERVICES AND … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB347 is now Act 1025 |
|
SB444
Act 970
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB444 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT.”
|
TO AMEND THE MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT. | K. Hammer | Notification that SB444 is now Act 970 |
|
SB507
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…estrictions designating areas as 'Members and Staff Only'. SB507 G. Leding TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO COVER…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO COVER APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR CERTAIN BENEFICIARIES. | G. Leding | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB534
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB534 G. Leding TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECT…”
|
TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; AND TO REMOVE MITRAGYNINE AND 7-HYDROXYMITRAGYNINE, ALSO … | G. Leding | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB554
Act 1022
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB554 C. Tucker TO CREATE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LOAN FORGIVENESS…”
|
TO CREATE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM. | C. Tucker | Notification that SB554 is now Act 1022 |
|
SB576
Act 623
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…AS KRATOM, FROM THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES LIST IN ARKANSAS. SB576 B. Davis TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITO…”
|
TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. | B. Davis | Notification that SB576 is now Act 623 |
|
SB598
Act 743
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RTAIN GENETIC SEQUENCERS AND GENETIC ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES. SB598 J. English TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO THE DIVISION OF…”
|
TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES; AND TO AMEND THE … | J. English | Notification that SB598 is now Act 743 |
|
SB601
Act 971
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB601 Hester TO CREATE A PATHWAY FOR A GRADUATE OF A FOREIGN MEDI…”
|
TO CREATE A PATHWAY FOR A GRADUATE OF A FOREIGN MEDICAL SCHOOL TO BE LICENSED … | Hester | Notification that SB601 is now Act 971 |
|
SB603
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB603 C. Tucker TO REQUIRE AN AIR AMBULANCE TO CONTACT THE ARKANS…”
|
TO CREATE EMMA'S LAW; AND TO REQUIRE AN AIR AMBULANCE TO CONTACT THE ARKANSAS TRAUMA … | C. Tucker | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB627
Act 746
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB627 Irvin TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT…”
|
TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND … | Irvin | Notification that SB627 is now Act 746 |
|
HB1401
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1401 Pilkington TO INCLUDE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY SERVICES WIT…”
|
TO INCLUDE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY SERVICES WITHIN THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT. | Pilkington | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1463
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1463 Hudson TO PROHIBIT DISCLOSURE OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL OR PSYC…”
|
TO PROHIBIT DISCLOSURE OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST MATERIALS OR TEST DATA. | Hudson | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1718
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1718 Gramlich TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR SURGICAL SMOKE EVACUATI…”
|
TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR SURGICAL SMOKE EVACUATION IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES LICENSED IN THIS STATE. | Gramlich | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1816
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1816 L. Johnson TO PROHIBIT HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND HEALTHCARE…”
|
TO PROHIBIT HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND HEALTHCARE INSURERS FROM USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE DELIVERY OF … | L. Johnson | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1819
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1819 L. Johnson TO REQUIRE THE STATE REGISTRAR OF VITAL RECORDS…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE STATE REGISTRAR OF VITAL RECORDS TO COORDINATE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS … | L. Johnson | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1888
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1888 Steele TO AMEND THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES LAW; AND…”
|
TO AMEND THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES LAW; AND TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT RECORDS … | Steele | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB473
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB473 Stone TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF THE ARKANSAS FIRE PROTECTION S…”
|
TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF THE ARKANSAS FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES BOARD; AND TO PROVIDE FOR … | Stone | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
Machine transcript
May contain errors. Verify important quotations against the official video.
About transcript accuracy
- Source
- SliQ live captions
- Model
- SliQ live ASR
- Processing date
- October 2, 2026
Obviously, you couldn't hear it the first time. Members will grab your seat. We'll go ahead and
Speaker 4
0:21
get started. I will. Yeah Wow. Not yet. We're getting
close. Fred Allen, Representative Fred Allen, if you would go to table HB 1079.
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
0:43
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members, uh, Fred Allen District 77, uh, this is acidic concurrent amendment. I appreciate a good vote. I Right in front
of you. Do I have a motion, a motion for concurrence, all those in favor say aye. I opposed, I
have it. Representative Woolridge, House Bill 1255. You're supposed to be down there ready.
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
1:17
Thank you, Mr. Chairman Jeremy Wooldridge, State Representative,
District one. 1255 amendment changes three words, it's a Senate amendment. I would appreciate a good vote. Motion
to adopt. Motion to adopt. The amendment in discussion here none all his favor, say
a bows. Congratulations, your amendment has been concurred. Matt Representative Matthew Shepherd, House Bill 1429.
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:51
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, you'll recall this is a bill I brought several weeks ago on diagnostic mammograms and uh on the Senate end, we added uh just some language that a patient will sign a waiver acknowledging um That the limitations of this remote um evaluation and uh that the results that the results of the evaluation shall be provided to the patient, um, before they leave the facility, uh, this is
just to try to, uh, you know, provide, uh, Greater level of care, um, but again, this is going to greatly improve access across the state of Arkansas and so I'd appreciate a good vote.
Have a motion to concur any discussion on motion. He none. All those in favor. Say ah.
I post. I have it. Representative Matt Brown, 1679. Thank you Mr. Chairman Matt District 55, uh, colleagues,
Speaker 27
2:55
this is a Senate commitment shrank down the scope of a little bit of the bill was in agreement with the stakeholders while still protecting the rights of the family postmortem. I appreciate a good vote. So we're gonna take one
amendment at a time, but I have a motion on the First Amendment. I have a motion. Any discussion, seeing on all this papers
say a Any discussion, seeing on all this paper say ah Any discussion, seeing on all this papers say a post, eyes have it. Amendment concurred. 2nd Amendment. Thank you, Sheriff right there 2 minutes on that. Matt Brown, 55.
Speaker 27
3:26
2nd Amendment made a technical correction. Appreciate a
good vote. I have a motion. I have a motion to concur in discussion, all those in a favor, say ah. I post. I have it.
Thank you for being concurred. Representative Childers. Yes. House
Representative Paul Childress
Unverified
3:50
Bill 1734. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Paul Child State Representative, District 83. Uh, this amendment was amended on the Senate end and it
was brought to us by the Medical Society, and it just added two lines to the current bill. I
have a motion to concur. Any discussion See you no. All those in favor say aye, all opposed, I have
it. Thank you. Hi, members, regular agenda Representative Tosh. Can you remind me of that number, Representative Tosh. About 60
598. 560. Whenever you're sure about it, we'll, we'll
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
4:38
clock it in. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senate Bill 560. You recognize. Thank you, Mr. Chair, committee members for the record. This I'm represented Dwight Tash District 38. Committee members, I bring to you today a bill from the Department of Commerce is to
resolve a problem which I might add is a good problem. Uh, around the state, we have 31 of our workforce training facilities, 28 of those are in our high schools where students have the opportunity to uh to be able to train and to be specialized in a special skills such as plumbing, heat and air, whatever. The funding for those training facilities ities has uh You know, it's kind of remained the same, but the problem has been, and like I said, it's a
good problem. The enrollment in those schools around the state that has increased to the point that the funding for those facilities now can just not meet the number of students that are wanting to enroll. And like I said, this is uh this uh serve like in Jonesboro, that school there has like 950 students in it, but they also serve all the other high schools in that area, so it's really uh It's really a good thing occurring across our state, but like I said, the funding has become an issue, so the
Department of Commerce to address this and uh we visited Senator English and I did with the Department of Commerce and the solution they came up with is that uh what they will do is the uh unemployment insurance trust fund, they're going to decrease that amount by 0.1% and then they're going to Increase the Funding for the training trust fund. So by and that amounts to
a zero net change in, in the budget or any type of funding. It's just a redistribution of the funds from the uh unemployment insurance trust money. Can you hear me? We got a
little secret in public health cannot touch the mic and you cannot spit on the mic.
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
7:06
I didn't touch it, Mr. Chairman. So it touched me. Just don't, don't touch it, don't spit on it and you'll be all right. OK. Well, I pretty well think that explains the bill. Like I said, it's zero net change. This bill is strongly supported by the Arkansas State Chamber and um with that, I would take any questions. Any questions
from committee? See you no, uh, anyone in the audience speak for or against the bill.
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
7:37
Seeing none, I take it you're closed. Mr. Chairman, I'm
closed and I appreciate a good vote. I got a motion from Representative Ladyman and Representative Allen in discussion on the motion. See you 9. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, I have it. I'm gonna touch and turn it off, Mr.
Chairman. Senator Love, just remember the rules. Do not touch the mic and don't spit on it.
SB 63. It don't matter. It, it don't matter which one you got, don't touch it.
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
8:08
not. 6:32, correct? Yes, sir. You're recognized. Good morning, Mr. Chair, and I have Representative Shepherd join me since she is my house sponsor. Good morning, committee. This is a pretty simple bill, Senate Bill 632 is an act to amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and to require warning labels for hair relaxers that contain certain chemicals. Basically what we're trying to do and I draw your attention to exactly what we're trying to do
in the bill. If you turn to page 2 lines 11 through 13, a hair relaxer being offered for sale in the state that contains a carcinogen or a reproductive uh toxicant shall provide a clear and conspicuous warning label. Displayed on the packaging or the product itself, and then it goes into section 2 we'll go into what will be in the warning labels, basically what it is is that there are some here
relaxing products that may cause cancer or may cause birth defects, and what we're trying to do is provide warning labels to uh the persons that use these hair products so that they are fully aware that these products could cause cancer or could lead to birth defects, and with that, I'm open for questions. Represent Alan, you
Speaker 42
9:32
got a question. Please don't touch that mic. Or
Speaker 58
9:35
spit on it. You got your hand on that mic. Yeah.
Speaker 62
9:40
Just whatever you do, thanks for your in. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, something to love, I, I
Speaker 64
9:46
like what you're trying to do. However, who you see what you're doing when you're touching that
mic, you got to turn it back on. You're messing it up. I'm trying to help you. They got a short in them.
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
10:03
OK. So who, who's going to place the warning label on the product, is that the manufacturer, uh, you.
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
10:12
And I didn't touch it, but we were requiring the manufacturer to do that.
OK. All right. Thank you. Yes sir. Any other questions? Seeing on one of the audience speak
for or against the bill? You close for your bill? Yes sir, and I, I appreciate a good
vote. We have a motion for representative, uh, Fred Allen and Representative Leiderman. Any discussion on emotion. All those in favor say aye, all
opposed. I have it. Congratulations bills passed. Thank
you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. All right, Senator Penzo, you're recognized. I don't know where you want to start, but it's your
Speaker 46
10:58
ball game now. Did you pack a lunch? OK. Yeah. That's their problem.
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
11:08
Hm pins those up. Uh, we, we can start with the
Senate Bill 117, and if a cheer will allow I've got Mamie Burris, uh, that I'd like to bring
to the table with us. It's fun. And this bill has a physical impact. So if you'll give
Speaker 76
11:30
just a second, staff will pass it up. It
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
11:50
Would you like me to start whether uh passing that out. Uh, give me just a second. OK. Mhm
Hm All right, Senator, you recognize, OK. So I'm gonna start with a quick story. I won't, I'll do the abbreviated version, but uh, Clint Penzo, Senate District 31. Wayne Long House District
Speaker 91
12:43
39. You're gonna go ahead and introduce yourself.
Speaker 92
12:47
Mamie Burris. I live here in Little Rock. I'm a naturopathic doctor and a licensed acupuncturist. All right.
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
12:56
So, kind of how I stumbled on the naturopathic physicians. Ever since
I was a kid, I kind of had stomach issues and as I got older, I started having more and more health issues. So fast forward into adulthood, um, one year I gave up, uh, fast food and alcohol for Lent, um. And, uh, so after Lent was over, I went out and had a couple of, you know, triple cheeseburgers, a couple of beverages, woke up the next morning with a fully distended abdomen, uh, was
miserable, um, like I said, I'd had all kinds of other health issues, but that's kind of the catalyst that triggered me to seek medical advice. So I, I go to my PCP, um, you know, he, he recommended I go to an internist and then went to a GI specialist and ended up, uh, you know, I've been seeing a dermatologist for a while because I had all kinds of issues like joint pain, um, Uh, rashes, I had to have special shampoos, special creams for my face. I was on all kinds of medications for antihistamines and all kinds of
things. Well, nobody could figure out what exactly was wrong. They just kept prescribing drugs to try to fix it. Well, uh, uh, one day I was thinking about this girl I went to college with. She had told me she was going to go to medical school, so I reached out to her for advice and, and uh she ended up telling me that she ended up going to naturopathic uh uh physician school in Arizona. And uh so she kind of described to me what naturopathic physicians were because I'd never really heard of them. She diagnosed me over the phone. She was like, Clint, you've got
food allergies. Come in, we'll do some blood work, get you taken care of. I come in And She has to work under a chiropractor in Arkansas because she's a doctor in Arizona with prescriptive authority, can do surgical procedures, um, their training is different than MDs, but it's it, there's a little bit of overlap on some things. There's some overlap with chiropractic and um other, other professions because it's more of a holistic health care profession. So she can't do the
blood work, so I have to go down to Quest or one of those clinics and get my blood drawn, they send it off, comes And uh she puts me on a 4-day rotation diet. Within a month, I'm feeling significantly better. Within 6 months. Um, all my joint pain was gone. I'd lost 70 pounds. I was off all the medications, um, everything, my, my blood pressure went down, my cholesterol went down. My testosterone was up, all my numbers. We great
Um, and all it took was just me. Changing some lifestyle and diet and uh, you know, to, to see that kind of an impact just from advice from a naturopathic physician, totally changed my world. I'm a different man now. So It's made a huge impact on my life. I've sent many friends and family to naturopathic physicians, uh, kids with, you know, whatever it is, ADD different disorders, you know, and find a natural solutions to
it instead of drugs, um, our, our society has become so dependent on surgical procedures and medications and the reality is most, most illnesses can be fixed with diet and exercise, you know, there's, there's Always a need for, for medications. There was a, a, a young man here the other day that was, he's on daily, uh, medication, uh, anti-rejection drugs for, for a liver transplant. We'll always need medicine in this country, um, but if we can get people off of
it, there'll be huge financial savings for the state, better quality of life for our constituents, and that's why I think we need to license this profession in our in Arkansas, um, they're, they're here, but they're, they're scope. was suppressed, um, you know, there's, there's a fiscal impact here which I, I personally, and there's a reason it's a grade, um, if, if there is a fiscal impact, that's because there's increased access to care. OK, if there's just a shift from
medical, uh, allopathic medicine, the naturopathic medicine, there will be no fiscal impact. If there is a fiscal impact, it's due to increased access for, for, for our constituents. So I want you all to keep that in mind, um, I'll, I'll go ahead
and let Mamie, uh, kind of tell you about what a what a
Speaker 92
17:27
naturopathic physician is. Thank you, Chairman Woodall, Vice Chairman, I'm sorry, Wardo Wardlaw, Vice Chairman Wooldridge and members serving on this committee for the
opportunity to speak in favor of SB 117 to license naturopathic doctors in Arkansas and special thanks to Senator Penzo and Representative Long for sponsoring this bill. Like many Arkansans, I've dealt with chronic health issues. My gut issues started when I was about 6 years old and I dealt with symptoms almost daily. My doctors meant well, but the medications they recommended were focused on managing my symptoms. So the underlying root causes were not being addressed. Over the years, I continued to
accumulate health issues, including chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances, eczema, and autoimmune hypothyroidism. I remember asking my doctors if my it was causing my symptoms, and if there was more I could do. Each time I was told that food was not causing my health problems, and I would probably always have symptoms. This couldn't have been further from the truth. I earned a pre-medical microbiology degree from UA Fayetteville with every intention of going to medical school. During my senior year, I
had an epiphany that I didn't want to be the kind of doctor I had always had access to. I wanted to learn how to use food as medicine, and I was interested in natural therapies like herbs and vitamins. Shortly after I discovered naturopathic medicine, I moved to Portland, Oregon and began training at National University of Natural Medicine, a 4-year doctoral level naturopathic medical program. that is recognized by the US Department of Education. Over 1900 hours of my training, almost half of the program
focused on Western biomedicine and included basic and clinical sciences, diagnostic techniques like physical exams, labs, and imaging, prescribing pharmaceuticals and drug herb nutrient interactions and minor medical procedures such as IV and injection therapies and minor surgery. I also received over 1000 hours in naturopathic modalities, including clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine, physical medicine,
homeopathy, and more. During my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years, I completed over 1250 hours of clinical rotations supervised by naturopathic doctors, medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, and chiropractors. By implementing what I was learning and working with naturopathic doctors as a patient, I was able to completely change my health. After 20 years of suffering unnecessarily, I finally knew what it was like to go days, then weeks, then months without
experiencing the chronic symptoms that had plagued me for so long. I also had the pleasure and honor of witnessing the power of naturopathic medicine at the student clinics and in my own practice after graduating in 2012. After passing a 4 day national board exam, I practiced in California as a licensed naturopathic doctor. During that time, I reflected on my health journey and how I had to move to Oregon and study naturopathic medicine in order to finally get answers and relief for my
chronic health issues. I realized there were others in Arkansas who were also suffering with chronic symptoms, and they deserved access to naturopathic medicine. So in 2014, I started traveling to Arkansas every few months. to offer health consultations, I quickly realized that many Arkansans were desperate for this type of care. So in 2015, I moved back to Arkansas to offer my services full time, even though the licensure status meant that I would have to sacrifice the
ability to use several of the skills and tools I'd spent so much time, energy, and money to learn. This is how badly I wanted to help Arkansans, and it's a testament to the incredible power of diet, lifestyle, and natural therapies like herbs and nutraceuticals. It's such a blessing to be in a position to empower others to regain control of their health. Over the years I've helped hundreds of clients and patients normalize their blood sugar, lower their cholesterol and
blood pressure, lose weight, heal anxiety and depression eradicate fatigue and insomnia balance their hormones, address gut symptoms like constipation and reflux halts their chronic pain and so much more. Many have been able to safely discontinue pharmaceuticals they no longer needed, and to reverse diagnoses they were given, including prediabetes and diabetes, which collectively affect roughly 46% of Arkansans. I've also worked with Arkansans who have fallen through the
cracks and helped them to get answers so they could receive appropriate care, which has included referrals to physicians when medications are indicated, such as for hypothyroidism, that was only discovered when I ran more extensive thyroid testing than the standard of care. Arkansas spends billions of dollars on healthcare each year, and much of that is spent on chronic conditions that are both preventable and reversible. This should come as no surprise given that Arkansas sadly ranks forty-eighth of 50 in overall
health, forty-ninth in children's health and 50th in women's health. Arkansas is also facing a growing healthcare provider shortage, approximately 68% of Arkansas's counties are designated as health professional shortage areas. Licensing qualified naturopathic doctors in Arkansas will increase access to this safe, effective form of care and provide Arkansans with another option, help to improve population health, reduce healthcare spending, combat the growing provider shortage we
face and protect our Kansans by prohibiting unqualified practitioners from using protected titles. Naturopathic medicine has been such a gift in my life and in the lives of so many others. Please don't stand in the way of this gift. There is no shortage of chronically ill people in Arkansas and naturopathic doctors bring a different perspective and approach that is very effective for chronic health conditions. We want to work alongside conventional doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure
Arkansans have access to the best care possible. Please vote in favor of SB 117 to license. qualified naturopathic doctors in Arkansas. We are, after all, the natural state. So shouldn't this powerful form of natural medicine be part of our healthcare system. Thank you so much for your time and attention. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Representative Ferguson, you recognize.
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
24:18
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Two quick questions and then I get back in the queue. Uh, currently, You
have to function under Another MD or another chiropractor, is that what I heard. So,
Speaker 92
24:30
um, naturopathic doctors in this state have to act more like health coaches. I personally went back to school and got a master's in Chinese medicine and acupuncture so that I could practice under those credentials and have that license and that scope, because um that was, that was actually a faster route than
waiting for the licensure status to change here, but, but the, the naturopathic doctors that do work here have to limit their services
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
24:56
to more of a health coach. And the
other question, most of the medicine that you prescribe, are they covered under most insurances or nothing that we do can be covered
Speaker 92
25:06
by insurance if we're not licensed. OK. All right, I'll get back
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
25:10
in the queue, Mr. Chair. Representative Bennet. Thank
Representative Denise Jones Ennett
Unverified
25:15
you, Mr. Chair. um, what is the Arkansas Department of Health stance on this.
Speaker 118
25:48
Don't touch it. I'm just kidding. yell at it.
Speaker 120
25:58
Matt Gilmore, Heart Health. I think I heard the
Speaker 122
26:04
be careful with that, Mike. I think I heard the question asking for
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
26:17
our position on the bill. We're neutral Thank you. Herbs and valid you recognize. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senator Penzo, as you all know that I go to the cancer treatment centers over America every month. I've been going now for approximately 13 years and
one of the key components that they have up there is integrated healthcare, and that's a natural path, um, they have that naturopath doctors at the cancer Treatment Centers of America and Naturopath doctors are so important, especially when you're taking chemotherapy because of the side effects and many of the side effects that the cancer cause, you can go to your natural path and she can tell you what drug you can do use to counter the side effects.
One of the side effects of chemotherapy. It's a tingling of the feet, tingling of the hands, um, is they can, you can go to them and talk to them about that, and they will actually give you a product, a right, a prescription for a product, of course, it's over the counter, but most of the products that they uh tell you to use their products that can be bought over the over the counter and so I, I see what you're doing here. I like what you're doing and people should
not look at what it's gonna. Because if it's going to help improve the lives of those that really need it. So I'll be voting for your bill today. Thank, thank you for that,
Speaker 78
27:42
uh, can I expand on that question and that
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
27:50
representative wouldn't you agree? I, you, you, you know, I would agree, um, when, when I was in the house and I ran
this bill, uh, years ago, uh, uh, Senator Ballinger was my Senate sponsor.
His wife was getting, uh, chemo treatments in Arizona and the Treatment Centers of America and, and they were very integral in his wife's, uh, treatment as well, um, so that's why he was very interested in it. Uh, and, and I, I will argue the fiscal impact because I think if we're looking at more of a holistic approach to treatment. Pharmaceutical is not going to be in the equation, so I think there's going to be a reduction in cost to the state with naturopathic
physicians. So I, I, I fully disagree with, with the fiscal impact because I think it's going to be a lot less expensive to treat someone through a naturopathic physician.
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
28:41
So thanks for the question. Yeah, you're more than welcome. Well, let me keep talking since I have a mic. Uh. OK.
the keep. The impatient representative Richardson. your head
Speaker 134
29:04
Wow. Wow. So, Thank you for being here.
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
29:08
So I, I'm gonna push back a little bit from what Representative Allen said, which when we talk about pricing, how much is it for an individual to see you on a visit. That's,
Speaker 93
29:20
that's based on the provider. There's a range. I
Speaker 92
29:23
don't, I don't have an answer for, for that that's across the board right now it's out of pocket. So and and
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
29:29
I I asked that because we know if you don't take insurance and you
know, uh, we don't have a wealthy state. So in order for them to come see you, I can imagine that being expensive over over a period of time, uh, for people who may not be able to afford that. And you talked about your experience, you went to school in Portland. Where'd you
Speaker 92
29:52
do your residency? There's not a residency that's required for naturopathic doctors. We do our clinical training within the 4-year program, much like chiropractors, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, um, the amount of training that we have is over
1200 hours, which is comparable to chiropractic physicians. It's more than what acupuncturists get. It's pretty close to what nurse practitioners get. It's actually a little bit over that, um, so we do have sufficient clinical training to be safe and effective providers
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
30:20
and since this, it's not. necessarily Since you're not identified as a medical doctor or an NDA in Arkansas. I heard you say you're, you're operating under a chiropractor? I'm licensed acupuncturist. Licensed acupuncturist, so you can still provide service to people who
Speaker 92
30:36
come in to see you for acupuncture. Correct. That gave me a defined scope that expanded what I was able to do for people, so that's
Speaker 74
30:45
why I got the additional training. OK, thank you.
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
30:47
And if I can clarify the confusion with the chiropractor working under the chiropractor, that was the naturopathic physician I was working with back. years ago, uh, she's recently left the state because of the inability to serve our clients. So we've, we've lost her. Representative McGee, you recognize.
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
31:08
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Get this thing close enough where I won't have to touch it. So in your, in your presentation earlier, you talked about, uh, can you hear this OK if I'm OK. You talked about Prescriptive authority and and uh Minor surgical procedures. I'm a physician. The only minor surgical procedure I know of is one that I'm doing on somebody else. Anything I've been it's been done on me is pretty major. So, so what
What, what are you talking about in terms
Speaker 92
31:53
of minor surgery? You got to be careful with that thing. again. So minor surgery is going to be defined as anything that's, uh, does not penetrate the muscle layer, so it's the skin or just below the skin, we are not going for, we're not including minor surgery or injection therapies or prescriptions in the scope of
this bill. So even though that's part of our training and does allow us to contribute to conversations with patients. We're not performing those procedures here. I thought that was in this bill. It,
Speaker 70
32:17
it is not. I'll come back. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Representative Bentley, you recognize?
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
32:33
Thank you, Chairman. Um, can you tell me how many states right now were licensed that you can't, if we can get this service with.
Speaker 115
32:42
So current Just leave it on. Currently, there
Speaker 92
32:48
are 23 states and 3 US territories, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. So 26 jurisdictions that license naturopathic doctors. Awesome. Well this allow, and I'm not sure, so I'm asking you the question, will this allow
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
32:59
insurance for you to receive insurance for those, for those patients that right now cannot afford it out of pocket, will actually be able to get the services that you provide. It
Speaker 159
33:12
opens up that possibility, yes, for, for insurance to be involved. So do you think, you know, we're
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
33:18
forty-eighth in the nation, this will actually make it. impact in Arkansas, Arkansas that we
Speaker 92
33:22
can actually better help. absolutely. I've seen, I've seen incredible turnarounds and the people that I've worked with. Um, so I think that this is only going to be a value add to our state. We do have, um, so much of our spending is on chronic health conditions, and this is really an area where naturopathic doctors shine and can offer a lot. And so, um, I think that we can bring
something to the table that's not here and help our healthcare system to be more well rounded and integrated.
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
33:46
So would you agree that this will actually decrease the cost of healthcare in our state if we can
get rid of some of the chronic disease that we're facing across the board. I believe it will and in
Speaker 92
33:55
states where we do regulate naturopathic doctors, that's what the data shows. Great. Um, can I have DHS up to the table, please.
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
34:00
You can, but while I still have questions for
the sponsors and the initial presenter, I want to wait till they come up to the table and everybody can ask this fine at some point.
Representative Aaron Pilkington
Unverified
34:14
Representative Pilton you recognize. Thank you. Um. You know, Clint, we've talked about this quite a bit, uh, I sometimes jokingly refer to your bill as the witch Doctor Bill. Uh, and I don't mean that in disrespect. We're just, we've been friends for a long time and we like to joke with each other, um, but actually something that I thought was interesting when I was discussing this was. Representative
Pilkington. I think it's because you're playing with the microphone, but they really have a shorter. Um, my understanding is like
Representative Aaron Pilkington
Unverified
34:45
right now I could go in, I could hang a shingle and say I'm a naturopath and there's nothing anyone can do about it because they're unlicensed, but if this passes, I could not do that because suddenly it would be illegal for me to go and call myself a natural path without doing this training and having this license, so we're getting kind of essence. You know, these allowed to say it. These charlatans out of the business and that we're making sure that people who are actually trained are the ones calling themselves a natural path, is that correct? Yeah, I wouldn't say we're, I
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
35:17
mean, they can still, this won't prevent them from Uh, seeing people, uh, but it will, they won't be able to call themselves a doctor because right now in the state, people that are taking 6 week courses, uh, can go out and say, hey, I'm a, I'm a uh I'm a doctor, naturopathic doctor. There's no, nothing preventing them from calling himself a doctor, and, and they should not be calling themselves a doctor. I know, I know one of the programs, uh,
has like a 3080 hour course, uh, massage therapist. Get 500 hours of training, so, um, and they're running around calling themselves doctors, so this bill would prevent them from, they could maybe say they're a naturopathic, uh, advisor or coach or whatever they want to say, but they can't call themselves a doctor with this bill. Thank you. Thank you. Representative
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
36:14
Johnson, you reckon? Not not touching it, just getting it where, just getting
close, close. So I, I'm trying to understand a little better, uh, did you do a naturopathic, are you a naturopathic doctor or were you before
Speaker 164
36:27
you came to the state of Arkansas? I am a naturopathic doctor. Yeah, that
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
36:30
was my first training that I did. And
Speaker 92
36:34
would you say that you practice medicine? No, I mean, I practice under my acupuncture scope, so I'm in, I'm in that field of Chinese medicine and and natural medicine, but I'm not, I can't practice naturopathic medicine, would you
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
36:44
say that naturopathic doctors practice medicine. I would say they practice
naturopathic medicine. OK, and, and is there a cost involved that you said that they prescribe vitamins, supplements, different uh is there a cost involved in those. Prescriptions or So, um, those are, I
Speaker 97
37:02
guess I wouldn't refer to them as prescriptions because
Speaker 92
37:06
they're not required to actually buy the product, you, these are, these are over the counter, you know, available products, you don't have to have a doctor's prescription to get them, um, I'm sorry, I lost your question I thought you used the word
prescribe and I'm just trying to clarify, we do. We do learn um pharmacology is a big part of our training and so we do have prescribing rights in other states. That's not. Something that we're going for here with this bill. We would be focusing on natural therapies
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
37:39
that we're suggesting excuse me for follow-ups, but so naturopathic doctors do prescribe medicine. We have prescribing rights,
Speaker 92
37:44
yes, in several states. We're trained to act as primary care providers and they treat both chronic and
acute illnesses. Through prescribing medicine that with
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
37:58
the combination of natural therapies, yes. How is what they're doing different than what an allopathic
Speaker 92
38:03
or osteopathic doctor would do. So an an allopathic and osteopathic doctor doesn't have the same level of nutrition, lifestyle, herbal medicine, physical medicine. That's not part of their, that's not really a big part of their curriculum. The average medical doctor gets about 19 hours of nutrition training. We're getting over 140
hours of nutrition training. Um, so the naturopath training that we get, those modalities that we have at our disposal really set us apart from other uh providers and what we're able to offer from the natural medicine
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
38:34
standpoint. How much, if I may ask, how much training do you get in chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol alemia, how much training do you get on an hour over 1900 hours was Western biomedicine compared to allopathic allopathic and osteopathic doctors, you said you get more training in Herbal medicine. How much more
do you, do you get the similar training in because I, I think as a physician. Uh, my training was much more time consuming. Then my understanding of a naturopathic doctor, um, I treat chronic illnesses. I treat acute illnesses, I prescribe medicine. It sounds like a lot of what the naturopaths are doing, uh, if you're saying that you got more training in. Herbal medicines, I, I, I would say that allopathic and osteopathic doctors get more training in acute illnesses and
Speaker 92
39:24
chronic illnesses. Is that a fair statement? the focus for us is on treating, um, I mean both acute but mostly chronic conditions, utilizing natural therapies whenever possible, but recognizing that there's a place for pharmaceuticals and being trained in that so that we can better identify those cases and and facilitate integrative care. OK. I, I, I'll step out of
Speaker 174
39:45
the queue if there's other questions. Representative Enet.
Representative Denise Jones Ennett
Unverified
39:57
Um, will this bill create a degree of naturopathy here in Arkansas. No. OK. And I have another
question, how many active neuro, I'm sorry, naturopathic physicians that we have here in Arkansas. So there are dozens that are
Speaker 92
40:12
referring to themselves as naturopathic doctors that I'm aware of, there are 8 naturopathic doctors here in the state. There are several that have left and there are several that would like to be here if the licensure status would change. So I know that number
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
40:28
would grow. Thank you. Representative Ferguson. Oh, so depends on just to be clear. This bill does not allow. Prescriptive for 40. Correct. Other
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
40:47
states say they're trained in it and other states, the license allows for it, but we're not asking for
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
40:53
that in Arkansas. And then the question for the witness.
Of representative Richmond Richardson, ask you a question about the cost.
Now Yeah, I got high blood pressure. I got cholesterol problem. I got joint pay. So I want to come see you Friday. So, what's going to be the cost
Speaker 92
41:20
of an office visit. Can you answer that question, or? So my office visits are 300 an hour. I'm combining naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, and acupuncture, um, but there's a
lot that, you know, I can't a lot of that could be billed to insurance and could be offset by insurance,
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
41:39
and that's not an option right now. So if this bill passed, can I just Follow up, Mr. Chair. So if this bill passes, what I'm hearing is some of this could be billed after insurance. But right now, if I want you to help me with my blood pressure and my joint pains, it would be $300 an hour for a visitation.
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
42:02
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Vice chair, where would you recognize? Thank
you, Mr. Chairman. Senator. So I know the intent of this is to create, create the act to where you can practice in the state
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
42:20
of Arkansas. So with that, you're having to create a lozenger, correct? Yeah, we're, we're creating a licensure but instead of on
the, on the Senate side, they didn't want to create another board. So what we did was take the acupuncture board uh and merge
it with the naturopathic uh physicians and create a natural medicine board, so instead of creating a new board, we've just consolidated boards, um, if, if there was more time, I would probably try to consolidate others. I know there's a move in the state to do that, maybe add massage therapist to it, um, but, but I mean. And that's, that's for a another uh legislative session, so we're not amendment with this bill. Well, we amended it on the Senate side. It's engrossed as it is in the bill I'm looking at right now, it creates a board
for, yes, and it eliminates, eliminates a board and creates a board, so there is no other board. The the there's an existing acupuncture board and so we're just renaming the acupuncture board and adding the naturopathic physicians to it, so we are
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
43:18
not creating a new board. OK, so, so this, this naturopath board that is in this bill is already an existing board that's just being renamed. Yes. it's the acupuncture board right now. OK. Does this outline license your fees or anything, how will all that be determined? Um
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
43:37
I guess, uh, that would probably be up to the I'm not sure who, who would establish that, whether it'd be the board or the The board would come up with their own. Lozener rates, and it probably be comparable to what the acupuncture licensure is right now. OK, thank you
Representative Glenn Barnes
Unverified
44:01
for clarification. Representative Barnes. Thank you, Chair. One question who will these uh naturopathic doctors answer to this board
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
44:07
you're talking about. Yes. That's who they were answer to. Yeah, just, just like the other professions, health care
Representative Ryan A. Rose
Unverified
44:21
professions answer to their board. Thank you. Representative Rose, you recognize. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator Penza, I've seen. Uh, a few times this committee and other committees where there's been Some disagreement and the numbers that the fiscal impact statement has come back with and
you alluded to that. I just wanted to kind of give you an opportunity if you felt so inclined to explain why you kind of feel
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
44:46
like it's an overstatement of what you guys anticipated it to be. Well, I mean, OK,
I guess I would start with the, the primary of if, if OK. The whole my My goal of this session was to increase access to healthcare, lower costs, um, and, and give people choices and with that, I think the choices.
would be, do I want to go see an allopathic physician or a naturopathic physician. I think, I think there's a potential shift, uh, not necessarily, uh, an increase in cost, I think, I don't know what an office visit costs to go see a doctor, um, but, uh, um, you know, the time you actually spend with the doctor versus, uh, the actual cost of the visit, you know, it's different than spending an hour with somebody for $300 I think the rates are cheaper, I think.
the, the, the, the not prescribing uh Pharmaceuticals is cheaper, um, you know, they're just, uh, sending people out, you know, I, I've seen a natural, uh, Chinese medicine acupuncturist before and um she just gives me a sheet of supplements she thinks I should take, so I go to natural grocers and, and I get my supplements. So I mean there's there's a lot of this that uh is going to lower the cost of healthcare in this state, uh, but the most important thing I
think is it it gives people choices, um. I, I see my chiropractor and my physical therapist, and I pay out of pocket to see my physical therapist, and I've got a background in physical therapy, but they've got certain equipment that I want to use. So I, I pay them like a gym membership to go see my PT, um, I go see my chiropractor at least want to 4 times a month. I mean, I, I decide which healthcare provider I want to go see for what my needs are. Um, I, I go see my, my PCP, my allopathic doctor once a year whether I need it or not, just
to have my blood work done. that's, I utilize him because that's where I've got insurance for, so I think that this will decrease the cost of health care. I do not see an increase and and they're looking at maybe a potential they're just looking at the numbers if, if we go see if it's on top of seeing doctors. I think is what they're measuring. They're not, they're not factoring in decrease usage of, of pharmaceuticals are not looking at the decreased cost of
seeing, uh, naturopathic doctor instead of an allopathic doctor. So I, I really think there's a decrease in cost instead of an
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
47:22
increase. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So I, I did have a couple of follow-up questions to that. So currently, they're able to see a natural path, Doctor Craig, but this bill would just create a pathway to get
Speaker 92
47:35
that doctor reimbursed by insurance. We're able to coach people on nutrition and lifestyle therapies that might be helpful
for them, but that's a much more limited scope
Speaker 106
47:45
for natural therapies and what we're actually trained in and what we could actually be doing for
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
47:53
people to help them. OK. And then, and I'm sorry, go ahead, her scope's capped at her. Acupuncture license that that gives her more latitude but that's capped away under what potentially she could
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
48:03
do, OK, and then one more follow up, the, the comment that you had made earlier, I think Doctor Johnson was visiting with you about how, how many patients
have to have a dual treatment, so the services that you offer along with a prescribed medication type treatment and my reason for that question would be, we're kind of operating under the theory that if people go to you, they won't go to their PCP thus there won't be an increasing. care, but it sounded to me like earlier that that this is a dual type benefit service a lot of times. So, in fact, it wouldn't be really a washer reduction. There may be, it may be a better quality of care. I agree with that. Um, they may be receiving additional services, but I don't
Speaker 92
48:44
know that there's going to be a reduction in services. So many, many people that I see are already on pharmaceuticals, and so we're working on mitigating side effects from those pharmaceuticals addressing underlying imbalances so that if their goal is to be able to discontinue medication, they can move towards that. Of course, the prescribing doctor is managing all of that and um I'm just kind of helping the patient have more informed conversations with the prescribing doctor. I do want to quote on the cost of 2006 University of Washington
study where naturopathic doctors. have been licensed for about 30 years, found that naturopathic care in Washington state costs insurers $9 per enrollee versus 686 for those who received conventional care. So it sounds like to me or my understanding
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
49:28
from what you said is a lot of the patients are seeing a doctor, they are being prescribed pharmaceutical meds, they're seeing you in addition to correct. I'm
Speaker 92
49:38
not, I don't see myself as a replacement for allopathic doctors or osteopathic doctors. I think
there's a place for all of us. So I just want to
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
49:47
join the team. And I will say I see both, but it's, it's one of those situations to where it depends what my issue is, which one I choose to go to. I'm not going to go to Both of them for the same issue. I mean, if it's, you know, and I, at this point in my life, I kind of understand a little better about which one I need, um, you know, uh, I, I believe in chiropractic and physical therapy, and that's not usually a position to someone who comes out of that world, but I mean,
it's not, I'm not, I'm going to see one or the other at a time. I'm not going to duplicate, it just depends what my issue is and which one I think can help me better with the situation. I was in a bad car wreck and, and so there was a need for both, but it was supplemental, not. Additive I guess I should say. So members, here's where we are. We still got
5 members signed up for questions. We're going to exit out of here at noon. OK. House bills that are left on the agenda right now are dead. We did not suspend the rules yesterday. They're dead. Any other Senate bills I want out of here. That have amendments have to get out today. I'm gonna come back after session but I'm not gonna come back and call staff that have to be here all night. So Ask your questions. Let's get to the point and let's move on to other bills, uh, I just want you
to know we are going to adjourn at noon, and we are going to come back. These are requests the speaker had made. Y'all heard his request yesterday on the floor. We have to
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
51:30
be considerate of staff and Tom. So Representative Johnson, you're recognized. Yeah, I'll just one brief question just for clarification. So my understanding is you practice naturopathic medicine, you treat acute and chronic illnesses, and you Recommend or prescribe supplements, uh, But you're going to be
practicing under the acupuncture board. Is that
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
51:50
correct? No, we're creating a natural medicine board,
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
51:52
but the natural medicine board, I believe if I understood your testimony right, you're just renaming the acupuncture board as the Natural Medicine Board, I believe that
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
52:01
was the comment, but there will be Naturopathic physicians on the
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
52:05
allopathic or osteopathic physicians will be on that board. There
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
52:09
are no allopathic or osteopathic people covered by the board, there won't be any
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
52:13
acupuncturists are on that board, 3, so the board consists
of would be consisting of three acupuncturists and who else? 3
naturopathic physicians, and they'd be overseeing the practice of medicine in the acute treatment of chronic illness and acute illness. To
Speaker 209
52:28
within their scope, yes. OK, just making sure I understand. Thank you. Representative Allen. Mr. Chairman,
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
52:40
let me pass because I, I wanna have a conversation offline if that's OK. Representative Henley.
Representative Dolly Henley
Unverified
52:49
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, ma'am, I've just Googled, uh, your profession to see uh where I could see a a a person like you in my area, Southwest Arkansas. I, there's there's not a one. So are you, are you, your profession, are they mainly in metropolitan areas in Arkansas and because I don't think that my people will be able to travel to Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, Northeast Arkansas to see someone of your quality. Can Can you help me with that? Um,
Speaker 92
53:20
that's a, that's a fair point. We do have a naturopathic doctors peppered throughout Northwest Arkansas. We have a naturopathic doctor who's in the mountain home area. Um, I am here in Little Rock. I do offer virtual consultation services to try to make myself available to more Arkansans. You reckon us represented a real quick question. So would you say that
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
53:46
the purpose of this spill is so that we can bring more
naturopathic doctors here because I have constituents that travel all the way to Texas to see theirs because the one that was here left because we weren't licensed. the Represent I, I'll not touch the mic. All right, so the whole purpose of this bill is that we'll have more naturopathic doctors come to Arkansas because actually to financially be uh profitable and not have to leave because many have left because they can't function like they would in other states where they can make money so the whole purpose of the bills that we can get more of these positions throughout
the whole state, would you not agree? Yes, that's one purpose. All right, members, we do have a few people signed up to speak for the bill, I think we have no one to sign up to speak against. Is there anyone in the audience speak against before
I go to 4? Seeing no one, we have a Oel Matthews.
If you would introduce yourself for the record and
Speaker 221
54:58
you recognize I speak for the bill. I'm Laurel Matthews. I'm a naturopathic doctor. I live in Mountain Home. Good morning, Mister Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Laura Matthews. I was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas. I've lived for over 30 years in Arkansas, and I am deeply invested in the health and well-being of the people of my state. I earned my bachelor's degree in biochemistry from University of Kansas and went on to get my doctorate in
naturopathic medicine from Basti University in Seattle in 2010. Naturopathic medicine is rooted in a tradition of wisdom concerning herbs and health has now been merged with a modern scientific and medical understanding as Arkansas faces increased health challenges and makes sense to embrace a model of care that prioritizes prevention, education, and natural solutions. My education at Basir University was an
intensive 4-year full full time doctoral program requiring up 25 credit hours per quarter where I was in classroom time for up to 30 hours per week. In the first year, I learned how the body functions when it's working properly, studying anatomy, including dissecting cadavers, physiology and biochemistry. The second year focused on what happens when things go wrong. Pathology, clinical diagnosis, and disease processes. The 3rd and 4th years include
clinical training and interventions covering nutrition, herbal medicine, dietary supplements, lifestyle counseling as well as pharmaceuticals, IV therapy, and minor surgery. I completed over 1200 hours of supervised clinical training, diagnosing and treating patients under the guidance of expert. Medical professionals. However, because Arkansas does not license naturopathic doctors. I currently work remotely for a dietary supplement company in
Iowa instead of primarily seeing patients here. Licenser would allow me and other naturopathic doctors to serve Arkansans directly and collaborate more effectively with the broader medical community, naturopathic doctors offer in-depth care, often spending over an hour with patients. Helping them understand and address the root cause of their health concerns. I want to share two examples of how integrative medicine can make a difference. First, my brother has
schizophrenia, which is well managed with Clozaril, a medication that unfortunately lowers platelets. Under my using my naturopathic training, I recommended a stragglu, an herb that has helped keep his platelet levels in the safe range, allowing him to continue the only medication out of many, many. That he has tried that is truly helping him. Second, a patient I was supporting for digestive issues
had undergone a CT scan while reviewing the report, I noticed a note about an aortic aneurysm, a life threatening dilation of the largest artery in the body. When I asked her if her other doctors had mentioned this, she said no. I urged her to see a cardiologist immediately. That led to a life saving surgery. These cases illustrate how naturopathic doctors take a whole person approach and can catch critical issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Licensing nitroathic doctors in Arkansas is not about just giving people access to more health care options. It's consumer protection right now without regulations, there's no way for Arkansans to distinguish between people like me who've had a rigorous naturopathic medical education. Or someone with little formal training. Many people are seeking natural solutions, often without expert guidance. For example, I frequently see people who are asking about getting off drugs like omeprazole, also known as
Prilosec, because they've read the studies showing that long term use is linked to dementia, so I use my expertise and instead of just suppressing symptoms, I help them transition safely using natural options like marshmallow root to soothe their symptoms while addressing underlying causes. Nearly half the states already licensed naturopathic doctors recognizing the valuable role we can play in preventive and integrative care. Passing this bill would not only
allow Arkansans to gain safe and effective naturopathic care, but to ensure the public can distinguish between trained professionals and unregulated practitioners. Arkansans face significant health challenges, particularly chronic conditions as in naturopathic doctor, I want to fully use my degree to serve the people of this state and address this growing health concern. I do read, spend a lot of time reading medical research for my job as in the dietary supplement
company, and there are many studies showing that when people are choosing certain natural modalities that it can reduce. the number of doctor visits they need or the amount of medication they need to take. So there are numerous studies showing that there can be a cost benefit to our type of medicine and especially to a preventive care approach. Naturopathic doctors are uniquely positioned to help because we spend one on one time
with clients teaching them to improve their nutrition, lifestyle, and overall health. This is particularly important to me because the root of the word doctor means teacher, and I want the right to use the term doctor for my profession because I want to teach Arkansans how to live healthier and be healthier. I asked you to support for your support in this bill so naturopathic doctors can legally practice. and help improve healthcare in Arkansas. Thank you for your
Speaker 30
1:01:06
time. I'm happy to answer any questions. All right any questions
for the witness? See you none. Thank you for your testimony. Members, I'm reminded that DHS was requested to come to the table, so at this point I'll bring DHS to the table for the member to ask those questions representative in it, you'll be recognized after they introduce theirself for the record. One year on one.
Mary May, OK. OK, so you're good. Representative Richardson, did you need him there?
I'm good. All right, never mind, we'll go to the
Representative Cindy Crawford
Unverified
1:02:02
next witness. Claire Ms. Claire L We'll let you fix that last name for us. My name is Claire Love and I'm a physician and Arkansas. I graduated from UAMS in 1998. I just want to say one or two
points. One is as a physician, I holly. And Ecstatically excited about having homeopathic and Met a physicians. come to the state of Arkansas and be licensed. What I have seen has been a problem has been that too many people have claimed to be naturopathic physicians and they're not trained like these ladies.
Have presented that they have been trained and It's just like a medical doctor. You don't want to go to a medical doctor. Who has not been through all the credentials they need to go through to become a medical doctor. You want to be sure as, as a citizen of the state that you're going to someone who is actually credentialed in their field, and that's my main point. So I'm totally for this.
Bill Representative Ferguson, you recognize, ma'am, ma'am. One quick
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
1:03:30
question. Uh, ma'am, are you a primary care physician or you, uh, what's your specialty? I specialized in psychiatry. OK,
Representative Cindy Crawford
Unverified
1:03:38
thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank
Speaker 237
1:03:41
you. We have one more. Our East Beavers?
Speaker 239
1:03:52
I'm gonna let y'all just vote on it. I just wanted. Tell you that I am for this and I
Speaker 240
1:03:57
have a personal story, but the time constraints. If you have any questions you can ask. Thank you,
ma'am. All right, members, uh, anyone else in the audience speak for or against the bill? Representative Long and Senator Penzo, you recognize clothes for you we'll make
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
1:04:16
this quick. I can, I can read the room here, so, um. I just want to touch on the board stuff.
We tried to create an on board for the, uh, naturopathic physicians, medical society did not want us to do that. Uh, the members didn't want us to do that. They wanted us to consolidate boards. We tried to put it under the medical board. They didn't want us to put it under the medical board because they don't want. naturopathic physicians to be in Arkansas. So we came up with the solution to put it with the acupuncture board. It's not a
perfect scenario, but um, you know, when, uh, It also offered to put it with the chiropractic board. Half the chiropractors wanted us to do it, half of them didn't. So I didn't want to start a fight with the chiropractors. So here we are, the, the, the acupuncturists are kind of in the same world and, and they were very happy to uh uh allow us to merge, uh, because the senators did not want a new board created. Um, like I said, this will increase access to care for Arkansans, um.
I just, I just hope that uh you know, the, the political environment doesn't stop uh us from giving. Access to alternative medicine in Arkansas, I think, I think we need chiropractic. We need osteopathic. We need allopathic. We need naturopathic. We need holistic healthcare in this state and I, and I would, uh, unless Long's got something quick to say, I would. As for A good vote, but I do have something
Representative Wayne Long
Unverified
1:05:52
quick to say, basically, the reason I, I was
excited to try to help and co-sponsor this bill, this quite a few years ago I came down with what you know it's kind of like an Arkansas version of Lyme disease, um, I, I thought, um help from normal type doctors, they helped me with the acute part of the problem. I was on antibiotics for quite some time, but uh the the chronic part, I just couldn't get that taken care of, uh, ended up going out of state to a I physicians such as um uh this lady that um could help with
that, um, as far as a savings, you know, I did pay all that out of pocket because insurance wasn't gonna pay for it, but my friends and family were telling me it's like just give up and go on disability and I was determined not to. I paid the money, went out of state many, many times, and was able to get help long term help. There's a cost savings for me not going on disability. I'm still working, still paying taxes. There's a cost savings. To the insurance business because I basically it got healed and you know I think a lot of that was because these
type of doctors spent a lot of time with you. It's like in and out in 5 minutes type deal, you know, they'll spend an hour or two with you if you need to, and I think one of the philosophers said that if he listened to the patient, they'll tell you what's wrong with them. They take the time to listen and they helped helped me tremendously, and I'd like to see other people in Arkansas not have to travel out of state, spend the night, all those. stop things to try to get the help that they need for chronic illnesses because chronic illnesses are really the ones that are probably the most costly to our country. Thank you.
Oh, and I make a motion to pass. I was just gonna ask you if you're gonna do that. That's proper motion, any discussion on
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
1:07:47
the motion. Everybody don't run at once. Representative Bentley. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you committee. I could not more wholeheartedly approve this or say yes on this bill. Our state is 48 of the nation. We have a massive expansion of chronic illness across the state. There's one way that we can fix it. I know our new Secretary of Health is very much in support of what we're doing here with this naturopathic medicine. Arkansans deserve it. We have
people leaving the state to see these doctors. We have people that are practicing that we don't know who they are. This is a bill to fix all of that, and I wholeheartedly support this bill. I hope you'll join me to help
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:08:20
Arkansas get off of 48 and move higher into healthcare. Thanks. Representative McGee, you recognize. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So I still have some concerns with this. I've learned a lot this morning about naturopathic medicine and, and, and have have a greater appreciation for what they may be able to provide to patients, but you have to understand in other states where
there's nothing in the law now that keeps them fraction. If I'm a physician, I want to hire one to work in my office if I have a treat cancer treatment center, and I, and I value their services. There's nothing that would prevent me from hiring one to work in my office. Under my supervision and with me paying them for their services, and that's how these work in a lot of the other states. They're, they're hired by other facilities, um, I, I, I think this. This bill by creating a board
and calling them a naturalopathic physician, uh, and calling them a doctor, that maybe that's OK by their education, but I think that can lead to patient confusion and you know, we're not, you know, you talk about people with chronic illnesses, there may be a lot they can do for some people, but, but, uh, those patients can easily be misled or go down the wrong path. I don't believe that they have the training that. A physician or not a medical doctor, allopathic physician or
an osteopathic physician has to recognize chronic disease to treat chronic disease. What are they going to do with somebody that come in and having a heart issue or or or other issues that that really do need something. So I, I think there could, it could lead to delay in diagnosis. I worry about the cost. Not a lot was said about the fiscal impact, but, but Uh, I, I, I, I've never seen anything in medicine where when you expand services that it decreases the overall cost to
everyone involved, so there's still a lot of questions in my mind about about the entire bill and and how it's set up and uh I'm just gonna, I respectfully, I'm going to have to be a no on this, on this bill at this time. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Representative Johnson, you have a discussion? Yeah, I
don't know that I can add much to that. I agree with everything Dr. McGee said, and you know, I have the utmost respect for naturopaths and
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:10:37
what they do. I just have concerns around how this bill's
constructed and for those reasons I'll be voting no. Thank you. Any further discussion from
the committee? Seeing that all as a favor. Say ah. All opposed. I will rule the nose habit. Co I see two hands, so we'll call the roll. Ms. Davis, if you would call the room. Representative Hanley. Representative Henley, no.
Speaker 248
1:11:21
Representative Barnes, Representative Barnes, yes. Representative Gramley. Representative Graham League. Re Representative Gramley, yes. Representative Rose, Representative Rose, yes. Representative Moore. Representative of more, no. Representative Shultz.
Representative Schultz, no. Representative Long, yes. Representative Long, yes. Representative in its representative in it, no. Representative Richardson. Representative Richardson, no. Representative Cooper. Representative Cooper. Representative Johnson.
Representative Johnson? No. Representative Perry. Representative Perry. Representative of Pilkington. Representative Pilkington, yes. Representative Allen. Representative Allen, yes. Representative Ferguson representative Ferguson? Yes.
Representative Bentley, Representative Bentley, yes. Representative Ladyman. Representative Ladyman, yes. Representative of McGee McGee, no. Caller names. Representative Wooldridge. Representative Wooldridge? No. Representative Wardlaw. No
It was in a war? No. With 9 votes it fell short of the 11 needed to pass. So members we're gonna move on to uh cinder letting before we come back, Senator Penzo, who will be here for the remainder of the meeting. Representer Laing, I think you're
gonna run Senate Bill 5354 1st. 5:34, yes, sir. I'm sorry. That's so many numbers here on this thing.
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:14:02
No, I don't. You recognize. Thank you, uh, Greg Letting, former state representative for former two-term member of House Public Health, House District 92. Uh, committee, good morning. I appreciate Representative Eubanks for letting me get one last good kick in the teeth here. Uh. This issue was brought to Representative Eubanks, my house sponsor on this bill, some years ago by Republican state senator Kurt Bramble out in Utah. We got to know him through our work in
NCSL. He helped pass this bill out there. Um, so we've been talking about doing this here in Arkansas for about the last 4 years. In 2023, Senator Justin Boyd, who was one of the 24 senators to vote for this bill ran an interim study, and we are here now with Senate Bill 534 to legalize kratom, um, because I know that's a question on all of your minds. Kratom is the leaves of the Mitrogynous speciosa. It is an evergreen tree, a cedar native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have been used to relieve.
Take up a collection so we can get you some better mics. Did, did you miss the memo?
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:15:10
Do not touch or spit on the night. I speak to the side a little bit. Uh, so this sleeves have been used for hundreds of years to help relieve pain in 2015 under the Obama administration, the FDA told a handful of states that it was going to schedule kratom as a narcotic, and the states could get ahead of the curve if they went on ahead and took action. So our Department of Health held a seven hour public comment window before
taking action on this substance. In 2016, still under the Obama administration, the FDA moved forward with its plan to schedule this, but pulled back immediately in the face of intense public opposition. Hundreds of thousands of people wrote letters to the White House. of the members of the US House that opposed the FDA's plan, a majority of them were Republicans. Among the US senators who opposed the FDA's plan was Republican Senator Orrin Hatch. And I will note that even the DEA at the time rejected the FDA's.
Trump's first term, uh, the FDA reversed course and completely drew its plan to schedule kratom. Uh, so we were given bad advice in 2015 under one administration, that administration backed off its plan even though we were one of just 6 states to move forward and in The FDA completely withdrew its plan. Only 6 states. Uh, currently ban kratom among those, 5 are currently considering repealing that ban. 14 states, sorry, 14 states have currently passed legislation in front of you. Florida
South Dakota and West Virginia and just 3 weeks ago, our neighbors to the north in Missouri, what
you're doing to that poor microphone. Yeah, I, I am doing my best not to
touch anything here. Um, and so that's where we are. We just feel that Arkansas was, was given uh some bad advice back in 2015, and we're just trying to correct that mistake. Any questions or
committee? Representative Long. Yeah, I appreciate you bringing this
Representative Wayne Long
Unverified
1:17:10
bill. I've got a friend that lives up in northern Arkansas and uh I tried medical marijuana for chronic pain, didn't help. And up trying to create them. It worked great. Unfortunately for her. In Arkansas, it's illegal to use it. So this lady once a week or I guess probably once a month or whatever when she needs it, she goes to Missouri, buys it, when she crosses that state line, I believe she becomes a felon. Is that correct? That's correct. And, um, we shouldn't be that way if, if you, if you got something that helps you and
people aren't dying all over the country in these states that have made it legal. I'd say that we've err on the side of liberty rather than And let people try it if we have a problem, we can always come back and reregulate it, but I don't foresee a problem. Only I've seen is an amazing help for this lady. Thank you.
Any other questions from the committee. Seeing none, we do have some people signed up to speak against the bill.
Really? We do. We have a Kevin. Cleghorn. Speak against the bill?
I missed your last name up. I'm apologize. I'm just
Kevin Cleghorn
Unverified
1:18:17
a dirt farmer. I'm sorry. No, sir, you did quite well. So, Kevin Cleghorn, I am the Sin County coroner and president of the Arkansas Coroner's Association. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman and committee for allowing me to speak today. um. History tends to repeat itself. Uh, and, and we are here to speak against Cratom being legalized. We are the ones that boots on the ground and all of the residents and all of the deaths and investigating the medical legal side of these
deaths. We are seeing Kratom being taken out of these residences, you know, when I say history tends to repeat itself. Heroin was, was designed as a medicinal purpose. Methadone, once it begun to be heroin was abused, methadone was created to, to help people get off of the heroin as a, as a relief. Methadone now is one of the, the largest, um, over, over abused
drugs. So we created Suboxone clinics, now Suboxone. So what I'm asking. is to look at Cratom very, very closely. In small doses, it mimics methamphetamine in large doses, it mimics an opioid. It is not created from the opioid plant. So therefore, general toxicologies for years did not handle it, could not detect that. Now our state crime lab and the very others and they are here to testify on this as well.
This is a general drug that is now tested nationally as, as a, as a drug causing deaths or resulting in deaths. So, Just as just as recent as 2 or 3 weeks ago, we took rat them out of the hands of a 25 year old. These are, they're synergistic with, with so many other opioids that we take and the the the reality of this like fentanyl or heroin, morphines
and things, nor can the naloxone program that we have in Arkansas, these drugs are reacting to Narcan. Cratam will not. So all we are asking is that this committee Take into consideration and not put another drug on the streets legalized, that can be used by itself or in a polydrug overdose. We are tired of taking drugs, uh, drug addicts or, or, or not necessarily even addicts, but anyone who accidentally
overdoses on drugs, and that's the majority of our deaths. They're not doing it to kill themselves. They're doing it to get the high. Sorry, were you? Any questions
from committee? See you no, thank you for your testimony. I think the health department sign speak against the bill. Don't neither one of y'all look like Matt Gilmore, and that's the name I got on the list, but I'm gonna let you go with it. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of
Speaker 276
1:21:19
the committee, I'm Laurahu. I'm general counsel
Speaker 278
1:21:22
for the Department of Health. Shane David, pharmacist, branch chief health systems licensing and
Speaker 276
1:21:27
certification for the Department of Health. And first, we just wanted to respond to the sponsor's comment that we were given bad advice that it's not accurate. We have revisited this issue 4 times in the past 6 years and each time we've performed the uh legally required 8 factor analysis on this drug, and we've come to the same conclusion each time to maintain. the status quo. We have asked uh
you all to vote against this bill. I'm authorized to state that the governor's office is against this bill, as you know, the Department of Health administers in Title 5, the Controlled Substances Act, and we add and delete substances off of the substance uh list, uh, this bill provides that the Department of Agriculture will enforce these provisions, um, we just wanted to note some of the technical problems with this bill on page 4, the definitions. Um, have technical errors because the term processor and
retailer overlap, both include selling and distributing, so we're not sure how that's going to work on pages 4 through 5, the bill purports to have prohibitions for processors, are these Arkansas processors, how is the Department of Agriculture going to enforce these provisions against out of state or out of the country processors, how does the Department of Ag enforce internet sales. The age limits for processors or retailers for under 18 and how is this going to be enforced? This provides for a $500 fine on page 6 for a billion dollar
industry, it's just a drop in the bucket to them on page 6, their violations, um, include the fines for the processors. What happens if they don't pay the fine. Retailers do not violate if there's a preponderance of evidence, which is the lowest standard of proof. If there's a good faith reliance on the representations of the processor. What is good faith? What is a representation is a showing of wilful ignorance going to bed. to prove that a retailer knew that it did not meet the appropriate standards. Who
enforces against the retailers is the Department of Ag going to be required to go into all these retail shops. I'm going to hand over the rest of our testimony to Shane David. He's got about 20 years of experience as a licensed pharmacist, and I hope you listen to what
Speaker 278
1:23:38
he has to say. Thank you. Well, thank you committee and Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to
Speaker 281
1:23:44
speak here today, um, uh, first off, The substances that are regulated in Kratom are Mitrogynine and 7 hydroxymitragynine, those products are linked together in
that um mitragynine is actually a metabolite in the human body that converts into 7 hydroxymitragynine. Mitrogynine is and 7 hydroxymitragynine both interact with opiate receptors as partial agonists of the mu opiate receptor, um, the FDA, uh, does not authorize these products as a dietary supplement, food additive, or in conventional food, which is also noted in your bill. Uh, the reports, um, indicated for this by the DEA. Is it still listed as a chemical or drug of
concern, even though it is not federally scheduled. The indications for specific uh issues with growing these products is that they're tendencies to have outbreaks with uh so there's been reported outbreaks of salmonella, um, also with heavy metals, typically if these products are grown in Southeast Asia, these products have high volcanic soil content laced with heavy metals. The specific bill identifies a specific USP 467 Pharma US pharmacopeia standard, uh, that indicates for
solvents. There's no regulation or uh opportunity to notate mycotoxins, bacterium, or even a robust ratom or Metrogy profile. Um, there has been a significant shift in the industry over the last year into products that have a higher amount or elevated amounts of 7 hydroxymitragynine, which is a potent interactant with the opiate receptor with a higher affinity in vitro than
morphine. These products that are utilized are now being marketed and sold with these elevated concentrations specifically in some instances marketed it that has the The appearance of uh rock crystals, candy, gummies, and that sort of thing that's clearly um attempting to market it to younger people. Uh, the concerns with 7 hydroxymitragynine has a larger opiate uh profile with a higher incidence of withdrawal
symptoms. There's also subsets of these of these products that are being converted as well to another metabolite, mitragynine pseudoondoxy, which is also a very potent opioid receptor, uh, which is also interacts with the mute opiates receptors, um, so I would also indicate that there's also a significant uh interaction profile. with these products into the cytochrome P450 enzyme systems in the body, these interactions can result in alterations in levels of uh specific medications that individuals may
take or may alter the levels of the, of the other products that are being taken and has potential synergistic effects with other um controlled substances potentially and if these individuals in the subset of the population are using this for opiate withdrawal or opioid, uh, uh, pain, then. The concern would also be that this would have any kind of added effect with any other controlled substances being taken. Uh, I would also point out that if removal from this uh these products from the list would be
difficult to curtail online sales, especially these more adulterated compounds, uh, creating concerns from a standpoint of a higher potential for abuse and uh lastly, the, uh, bill also addresses labeling as far as servings and dosing, uh, the other concern is that it's not referencing a robust chemical profile for drug. interaction potential. There have been case reports and individuals and pregnant women who have taken kratom that have
shown infants have shown signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome, so there's no warning or contraindications noted on
Speaker 282
1:27:37
the bill and for that I'll wrap that up to be brief and be
happy to answer any questions. That's proper motion. Call a question members just for explanation
is basically an immediate consideration, uh, remark. It's proper motion on debate all those in favor. Say ah. Opposed.
I have it. What's your question? Emotion
is a proper motion. Don't hear it very often, that's
a motion of do not pass. If we had a discussion on the motion, you recognize. I have some discussion, um,
Speaker 284
1:28:09
when you, when you enter in Oklahoma from Fort Smith, one of the first things you see is, uh, rats, please. We have enough problems. Uh, our crane dispensaries, um, every, every vape shop, every, they sell crayons, CBD, all this stuff. I know right across from one of our high schools in town, they're trying to put a vape shop in. I know across the street, as soon as this bill passes, they're gonna be selling rat out of that. I'm gonna have 18-year-olds going across the street during lunch, picking up kratom, going
back to school and doing it in school. A few years ago, I had a 7th grader in my school doing kratom in the bathroom and then he tried to sell it throughout my school. I'm not gonna do anything to make this any easier for my kids to
get access to. And so with that I appreciate a good
Representative Aaron Pilkington
Unverified
1:28:48
vote. Any other, uh, Representative Pilkington. Yes, uh, I took the opposite opinion. I don't think we need to do this motion and I'm against this motion because I think in reality we've, we've criminalized kratom. I mean, we heard stories during the interim about people who were getting arrested and thrown in jail because they had kratom on them when passing through the state.
And I think we have an issue with, with um, you know, over incarceration, and my worry is that we're just basically something that is illegal in other states. We've decided to make it illegal in Arkansas and it's actually created an undue burden on our law enforcement, and I think, I think there's no reason why we shouldn't allow this. I think it's something that people use to help treat chronic conditions and um and I'm, I'm against the motion because I think this is something we should do to make our walls clearer for us and surrounding states, so clearly by the testimony by
into rambling. It's already in the schools. So it's not like by doing this, it's going to somehow not already be in schools because it's already there. So appreciate a no vote
on the motion. Any other discussion. CNN all is in favor of the motion, do not pass. Say ah. All those opposed. I have it. Bill is filled. And members for the record, once that motion passes, the bill doesn't get a second bite at the apple, it is gone. That is,
that is a way to kill a bill
Representative Laing, you have a 2nd Senate bill. Members, let's keep the order. Senate Bill
Speaker 288
1:30:24
507. You want remembers Keith Brooks, uh, House Representatives District 78,
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:30:27
and uh with your permission, Mr. Chair, I'd like to bring Mr. Ron Cook to the table as well. If all the
witnesses would introduce herself for a record, even sender letting, even though
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:30:40
we just got done with him, and then we'll get started.
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:30:46
State Senator Greg Letting, thank you, committee. May I have another? And I'll do my best
Speaker 291
1:30:51
to not rep the microphone like you did last time because uh. Ron Cook from uh from Montel, native of
Cersei. Thank you, members, if you would hold on one second, there's a financial impact being passed out and then we'll get started.
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
1:31:11
Representative Bentley, I recognize you. Chairman, a motion to limit debate on this bill for 15 minutes due to our restricted time. Is that an inclusive motion for the day?
Yes, for the, for each bill for rest of the day, OK, members, last time we did this, uh, I allowed the sponsors for closing outside of the 15 minutes. Is that still permissible in your motion, Represent Bentley? So remember she's made a motion to limit all bills today to 15 minutes, closing will not be
counted in the 15 minutes. All those in favor say aye. All opposed
I just have it. All right, Representative Brooks, you'll recognize you have 15 minutes for you and your witnesses. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you committee. This
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:32:02
is my first time to ever appear in public health, so I appreciate the uh the latitude to talk about this, and most of the time is gonna be spent with Senator Ludding and Mr. Cook discussing this bill, but I just wanted to open up and and give you a
little bit of context, so you may or may not be familiar with a lot of the different therapy, uh, programs that are out there for children with disabilities. There's a number of things that are very prevalent. Uh, there's a therapy called floor time. for you developed by a gentleman named Dr. Stanley Greenspan, who I met many years ago in his living room in Washington DC There's other therapies that are effective for kids and adults with developmental challenges, particularly autism, the one we're here to talk about today is ABA therapy. ABA therapy is known as applied behavior analysis and just to give a
brief definition to scientific approach that uses principles of learning and behavior to help individuals learn new skills and improve behaviors that are socially important, particularly for those with autism and other developmental disorders. So when we talk about what the gold standard of therapy is for individuals with autism, you generally think about children because that's where hopefully it's identified early so that kids can be helped. However, as people move through the spectrum and move through challenges throughout their life. ABA therapy is not just important, but it's quite frankly vital to the needs of the developing
young adults and adults so that they can ultimately live independently, and that's what Senate Bill 507 does. Senate Bill 507 continues our commitment as a state and I realize as you read that green sheet that The knives are out for this. However, I think it's important that we have a very strong discussion about the importance of what the opportunity is to prevent additional costs as a child moves into adulthood and as an adult moves into independence and the importance of a therapy such as applied behavioral analysis. With that, I'll turn it over to Senator Ley. Thank you, Representative Books
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:33:46
and thank you committee. Mr. Cook first approached me maybe close to 2 years now. He is a constituent of Senator English, who is a co-sponsor on this bill. His son is a constituent of mine back in Fayetteville. His son has a diagnosis of autism and is receiving ABA therapy, but when he turned 21, he was told that Medicaid would no longer cover those services, and you've heard how important they are from Representative Brooks. 42 states have no such age restriction. We feel it's somewhat arbitrary. And so that's what Senate Bill 507 would do. It would remove that age restriction. I will note, although Mr. Cook will be able to go into
far more detail. ABA therapy for children, which we do currently cover, is far more intensive and it's far more regulated, um, there's a lot more flexibility when it comes to the adults. They don't necessarily need the intense therapy that children do, and there are a lot more mechanisms that DHS can use to put guardrails on this to further limit costs I do know we've got some financial estimates that look a little bit scary with all love and respect to our friends over at DHS and we filed this bill on March 18th. We ran it in the first time on April 2nd. That was the first day that we
saw numbers and and they did acknowledge that in committee that none of us had seen those numbers and then Senate Public Health didn't seem to be too concerned. We passed that out of the committee. We got it off the Senate floor. We're down here today. Just last night we got some updated numbers that simply seem much too high. We think that they are calculating them using some maximum considerations in order to give it uh make it easier to vote against this bill, but we do think that this bill, while there will be a cost, it's more of an investment. There are going to be potentially downstream savings, uh, you're going to have fewer ER visits,
fewer emergency responder calls, and so we do feel this is an investment worth making, and with
Speaker 288
1:35:24
that, I'll turn it over to. Cook, and I'll make
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:35:26
one statement prior to Mr. Cook. So oftentimes when we see an individual come before us who has a story to tell, uh, we're somewhat uh divorced from that story from a personal standpoint. I will let you know that I've known Mr. Cook uh for the majority of my life and I've actually seen his son, and I've seen the benefits that John McKenzie has had as a result of this type of therapy, and it has
been life changing for him. So know that this is not just a story that happens in a silo. This is an individual that I've witnessed
Speaker 299
1:36:00
watch grow up and benefit from this. So that Mr. Cole. I appreciate the committee giving me the opportunity to speak for a few minutes about Senate Bill 507 Applied behavior analysis therapy, and it's important to adults with autism here in Arkansas, who currently don't have access to that therapy. Um, I appreciate uh Representative Brooks mentioning
my son, um, who, uh, is, uh, you know, obviously an inspiration like a handful of other Arkansas uh adults with autism behind 507. John is named after my My grandfather, his great grandfather, who is a rice and soybean farmer in Cross County. Uh, we, our family have long roots here, deep roots in Arkansas. Got a lot of family in northeast Arkansas. I was born and raised in Cersei and um a lot of family in White County. John lives in Fayetteville now.
And so this is important to me and I think it's important to, uh, a small group of families and adults with autism here in Arkansas. Uh, I want to tell you just briefly, um, committee about my son, uh, I'd like them to elaborate on what I think um this will mean for Arkansas, if you'll allow me, and then I'll turn it back over to uh Representative Brooks and. And Senator Lenning. My son, um, uh, is about to turn
24, uh, and he lives in Fayetteville, uh, and, uh, he has his first, he likes to make money, um, and so he has been able to hold up a part-time job. Uh, we're approaching 5, I think we're at 5.5 years that he's held a part-time job at one of the Chick fil A's. He's down at the Chick fil A at Razorback Road. If you go to Razorback game, go buy the Chick fil A. You might see uh John, and he might uh help you out. stable. Um, he, um, uh, has
learned the value of hard work, but not without supports and the intervention of therapy. John has been able to develop and grow and mature as a result of ABA therapy, uh, to the point that he's able to take part-time classes at Northwest Arkansas Community College, uh, and, uh, he's excited, uh, he would be excited to tell you that he's um uh gonna be enrolled at the University of Arkansas. Again, it's a part-time student with supports this fall, the most important thing to him is he's going to be a razorback, and,
uh, uh, so, um, none of this would be possible. Uh, these good things that I've described for you about John and other, other adults with autism like him without ABA therapy, uh, being involved, um, uh, he has struggled um behaviors that come with autism are a struggle, but uh they can be mitigated uh and skills can be developed uh through ABA therapy. Now, uh, if you and I were to go to see a counselor, and I'm not a counselor. I'm just speaking as
a layperson. I understand that a lot of the therapy that we might, might help us is often broadly called cognitive-based therapy. But if you're a person like my son who has a cognitive disability, traditional forms of therapy or most common forms of therapy won't be real effective. ABA therapy has been effective for persons with autism around the nation because it focuses on behaviors and it connects with them. It's been effective for John. Unfortunately, the challenge that, that Senate Bill 5007 tries to overcome is that
Since John turned 21, he can't access that therap anymore. Arkansas Medicaid currently prohibits it. The pass is arguably might want to cover it, but they're not allowed to, um, under the current constraints of Arkansas Medicaid. Senate Bill 507 really simply says we're going to lift that age restriction. We're going to allow the, the, the, the standard uh practices of medical necessity of prior authorizations. We're going to let that take
care of who gets to uh receive the therapy and who does not, but it's not going to be arbitrarily limited anymore based on age and that's what uh Senate Bill 507 does. If you'll allow me a couple of comments and then I'll turn it back over to our the bill's sponsors. Um I, I want to argue and from my own experience that this therapy is gonna realize downstream cost savings. Um You're going to see as the senator said, and as we've
experienced, fewer emergency responder visits, fewer rides to the um ER in an ambulance for your ER visits, fewer acute care stays are all possibilities when you allow ABA therapy. Now, the the, the services I just listed come at a premium. Uh, they, they don't even ABA services don't even compare to the cost of the premium services I just listed. So there will be Arguably downstream savings by implementing this as well.
And, and I want to mention just a couple more things. Uh, Senate Bill 507 was designed with costs in mind. Uh, that's why it's specific, narrow, and tailored to a, a very specific population group. Let me, let me emphasize something. For children who receive Uh, ABA therapy. Under the age of 21, uh, those therapies are regulated by federal, uh, rules that are different than for over the age
of 21. EPSDT in particular is very um um um wide and expansive, uh, and it's hard to limit the uh the cost of ABA services for adolescents and children, not so with Senate Bill 507. So I uh I hope that you will. Um, here from your colleagues, um, you'll take consideration of the fact that um the Senate is already overwhelmingly passed this out of their committee and out of the House floor, and I
hope that you will support, uh, these services for a small group of adults in Arkansas with autism. Thank you. All right, remembers any questions? Representative
Bentley, uh, time on the clock is 4 minutes, and I do know we have some people signed up to speak, so I'll be, I'll be quick. I guess
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
1:42:21
I just, I'll have DHS to the table real quick to get some of these answers. Thank you.
Speaker 302
1:42:37
Good morning, Melissa Weatherton, director of Medicaid specialty population divisions. Thank you for
Speaker 303
1:42:40
being with us today. I, um, We all want to help this population to get the
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
1:42:46
therapy they need. So can you briefly say speak to the cops that are that are listed here and um kind of give us a feedback just real quick on what the costs are and what you see. I know I'm just reading your explanation here that it cannot be narrowly defined as as they would like it to. So can you go over that just real quickly, please ma'am. Um,
Speaker 305
1:43:05
and thank you for the opportunity to talk about the
differences in the fiscal impacts. So, um, I sent lighting said yes, it was extremely unfortunate, um, that we had to um talk numbers at the table, um, without the committee seeing the fiscal impact at the Senate side of the House, um, Senator Leding was very gracious, um, and I appreciate that. That number on that fiscal impact was at the time, um, Arranged fiscal that could go up possibly to 75 million. That
fiscal impact was based on the number of adults currently on the community employment support waiver, which is referred to as the DD waiver with a diagnosis of autism. We took that number, which is like 1470 and multiplied it times what we spend for ABA for a child, because that's the only baseline we have, right? This is un own land to us. So that is the number we multiplied. However, at that committee meeting, Senator Peyton asked me a
question about was as sure that it was being narrowed. And I looked at the bill and said, yeah, we're just doing adults on the CES waiver and over the past couple of days, the more we have thought this through. This is a 1915C waiver. There's 6 ways you qualify for this waiver. 6 different qualifying diagnoses, and when you put a service in that waiver. If you're on the waiver, you qualify for this service. I
cannot restrict the service, I cannot say 21 and up only, I can't say for autism only, so right now to be on that waiver, you can have epilepsy, Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or just a general intellectual disability diagnosis, it's got over 8000 clients on that waiver. This means if I go in to put ABA inside that program, it will be available to every single person on that waiver, which is over
8000 people for every single diagnosis. That's how in 1915 C waiver operates. That is why last night, we re-ran the fiscal impact because we realized we had made a mistake on how we were doing that impact. So we are here today to oppose. For those of you who know me, um, I was DD director for 9 years. The last thing I want to do is sit at this table and a pose, a service for clients with intellectually intellectual
disability, but we do not have this in our budget. One minute warning. We have any questions for the department? See you. Uh, Representative Brooks. Anyone else in the audience speak for or against the bill?
Seeing 9, you guys are recognized clothes for your bill. Thank you,
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:46:04
Mr. Chair. Um, just one thing I want to point out when we did get that first fiscal impact. I know we just heard the $75 million figure, but that was the total cost. The state share was a range of as
low as 3 million to about 23 million. Again, we do agree there could be some costs. We really do see it as an investment, and it could lead to downstream savings. The only other thing I'd say about this is that it is my understanding that you know a lot of these adults with autism are already receiving services through the CES waiver. You can't double bill, obviously, so we're really just talking about the difference in however extra the AB Therapy might cause. They are already receiving uh a lot of microphone. I talk with my hands. I'm a vibrant personality. Representative
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:46:45
Brooks, uh, thank you, Senator, and again, thank you, committee, obviously again it's pretty clear where this is going, but I, I just want to verbalize my commitment. My commitment is to the young men and women, uh, and, and frankly, they may be age 21 or over, but oftentimes uh from a developmental standpoint they're much younger than that and the goal here is for the long term, for us to keep commitment that we've always kept to the kids in the state of Arkansas and to individuals in the state of Arkansas that we will support you, especially those who may be the least of these and need our help. And so
even if this doesn't go the way that we would like today, uh, my commitment to the public and to this legislature is that we're going to keep biting at this apple uh until we get this accomplished uh because it is that important for these kids and I would certainly wholeheartedly agree with my my colleague here uh that our downstream savings years from now, uh, would far outweigh the perceived costs that we may see there. And just one last thing, Mr. Chair and committee, we
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:47:36
do believe this is the right thing to do. We believe it's an investment worth making. It's also my birthday and my
Speaker 263
1:47:42
little girl's in the room, so, you know.
And with that, I did notice that, but a guy that understands how he lives and breathes, whatever, whatever I've noticed that his wife,
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:47:52
my wife is also here in the room with me. They drove down last night to surprise me. It was a wonderful surprise. The only
thing that makes all of us in this room is that our spouses are at home keeping our houses going. That's fair. Mr.
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:48:04
Chair, would you allow Mr. Cook to have one final word closing. I'm sorry. I would,
but don't allow, we were close for Bill and we appreciate a motion to pass.
Representative Denise Jones Ennett
Unverified
1:48:18
I have a motion to pass in discussion on the motion. Uh, represent a real brief, um,
I too have a son, um, they have autism and ABA therapy has been transformative, um, for him. We got him on ABA therapy around 5 and we just got him back on ABA therapy at 16 and he will probably be the one that would need ABA therapy throughout his life, so I'm, I am in full support of this bill and I hope that my committee members will vote yes on this. Thank you.
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
1:48:51
Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee. I, I too agree, um, I've seen this therapy in action. I think that it's a a wonderful cause. It's transformative for the lives of folks. I've worked with Mr. Cook and I'm sympathetic to why you're here, why you're doing this, I admire what you're doing on behalf of your son. There's no link that I wouldn't go to for my children as well. So thank you for working so hard for this. I, I'm afraid um that we're so late in the session with the impact just now coming. out. I think that that it does
cause us to have to think differently about what we do with this bill going forward. I'm not sure what the vote will be. What I would like to ask for the bill sponsors to consider or do is to, if this doesn't pass, put it in an interim study where we can really work on this through the interim and uh find a way that is a long lasting solution, you know, I think it's more important that we get this right as opposed to get it right now, and I want to make sure that for your son and for every other person in the state of Arkansas that's facing challenges. like this that we do get this
right and we work with DHS and our other partners to make sure that we're providing options for these Arkansans. They're important and they deserve the best that we have to offer. So thank you for your work on this. Any further
discussion from the committee. So you know all us a favor. Say ah. All
opposed? No. I'm going to rule the nose habit. Your bill has failed. Thank you Mr. Chair. Thank you. High Represented McGrew. He recognized Members, we got
3 bills, there's supposedly really quick bills, noncontroversial, so we'll run these 3 bills real quick before lunch. Representative McGrew remembered the rules do not touch Mike. You can hit the button and that's it, please. Yes, sir. Thank
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:50:37
you very sensitive. With your permission to bring the uh Department
of Labor to the table, and I'm Richard McGrew District 85, I'm bringing you today, uh real quick. Thank you, Mr.
Dan Parker
Unverified
1:50:49
Chair, Dan Parker, Chief Legal Counsel for the Department of Labor and Licensing.
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:50:55
And we're bringing you today Senate Bill 627. This is a bill brought to me from the Department of Labor licensing and code enforcement division, uh, it's basically a cleanup bill. I'll let Mr. Parker. Explain it to you.
Dan Parker
Unverified
1:51:09
Uh, thank you very much. um, we're always looking for ways to improve the licensing and regulation of our professions. This is for our electricians, our HVAC professionals and boiler and safety. Uh, if you don't know Representative McGrew is a
master electrician, so I think it speaks volumes. One of our licensees is here to support the bill and sponsor it. We also reached out to other members that worked closely in this area with our office. Representative Cozart and Senator Josh Bryant over in the Senate. They are both signed on as sponsors and support of the bill. It was fully vetted in the Senate and received a 33 to 0 vote. Um, some of the improvements that we're going to be to accomplish through the bill will be to uh
Uh, here, let me get my list out. We're going to eliminate a couple licenses that are covered by other licenses. Um We are able to improve procedures for uh licensing apprentice electricians, uh, we're also going to be able to improve procedures for the testing of boilers and the elevators, so that should reduce costs and also make sure that those get tested on a timely basis, and every elevator and boiler in the in the state is operating safely. And then there's an education
component where we were able to eliminate some of the education requirements without sacrificing quality, if you will, the biggest beneficiary of that is the cities across the state. There are about 320 municipal electrical inspectors, uh, statewide and they currently have to take 16 hours a year of continuing education, the 8 hour course that they take the very first day covers everything they need to know, so we're able to eliminate that other 8 hours and
save the state and the city's a lot of money. So with that, I'd like, I'd appreciate support from the committee on this bill. And happy to answer any questions.
Seeing no questions from the committee, is anyone in the audience speak for or against the bill. I take it
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:53:15
your clothes for your bill? Yes, sir. I'd just like to say as an electrician, I really took a notice in this. It, it, it makes it better not only for the state but also for the last name, also would add in there that in my career it was on my trucks and in my marketing. I was the world's greatest electrician, so the world's
greatest electrician supports this bill, and I appreciate a
good vote. You may have just killed your own bill. Representative Woolridge moves due pass in discussion on motion, seeing none, all those in favor say aye. I'll posed. I may have to bring that out on the house floor Thank you, Chairman. Thank you Mr. Parker for the
record, we don't always agree with the Senate and obviously
Dan Parker
Unverified
1:53:57
you hadn't been paying attention this morning. Well, thank you, and I apologize. I forgot to mention that uh Representative Wooldrige and Representative, I appreciate
Chair
Unverified
1:54:04
your support, Mr. Chair and Representative Wooldridge as well. Representative Kozark, let's go.
Representative Bruce Cozart
Unverified
1:54:23
598, correct? On those. Yes, that's correct. Mr. Chair, Representative Bruce Cozart, District 91, and I'll That Rose introduce herself. Thank
Speaker 323
1:54:29
you, Christian Rhodes, the director of re-employment for the division of Workforce Services.
Speaker 324
1:54:36
So just real quickly, this is a cleanup bill for all of ADWS, some of the high points for this one is it does realign our definition of uh employee employer relationship with the IRS. The IRS went to the 2 factor questions um in 2013, we put it into law I believe in 15 and then IRS quickly changed it, um, and we have not updated our law to to match theirs. Uh, we also have um a current rule, uh, to where if a claimant for unemployment is tied to work. They're not required to
look for work for 10 weeks, and this actually reduces that down to 3 weeks. And then we also have um several sections of TANFF to be removed from the division of Workforce Services law as in last session, it went to over to a DHS. So those are the main points for this one, and we're happy to take any questions. I told her to keep it short. Yes, sir.
See no questions from committee one of the audience to speak for or against the bill. I take it you're
clothes for your bill. We're close. I have a motion to pass any discussion on
motion, seeing none all those favor. Say ah. I opposed, I have it, Senator Penzo, let's go. Congratulations, your bill passed. You got about 30 seconds.
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
1:55:55
Because you're already got me one minute past what
I want to thank you committee. I had somebody fly in just to testify for this, so it will make it very quick, um, if we get into too much debate, we can kick the debate till after but um thanks for accommodating.
I first, uh, SB 311 C Penzo Senate District 31. Uh Mr. Chair,
Speaker 330
1:56:22
members of Mr. Chair, members of the committee, Senator, thank you very much for the opportunity to be here. My name is Jackie Deal. I've spent my career researching the Chinese Communist Party and its military buildup for the last two decades. I'm also on the advisory board of a nonprofit called State Armor that's been working for about
the last 18 months to help states in the United States protect themselves and their citizens from Chinese Communist Party efforts to intervene in our country subnationally, just a few days ago, you might have seen the congressional National Security Commission on emerging biotechnology came out with a report. This was a bipartisan commission led by uh members of Congress and senior experts on biotech and their report warned of an
impending eclipse of the United States and our research capacity and technology in the biology realm by the Chinese Communist Party, and they, they warned that This was very serious because if we get surpassed, if we're no longer in the lead in the biotechnology field, we may never be able to catch up. That was their conclusion, and they said that it's especially concerning because what we're seeing in the People's Republic of China is an effort to quote unquote weaponize biotechnology.
Over the last two decades where I've been researching the Chinese military. I've learned about the military's interest in bio warfare, which dates back to the Korean War when Chinese propagandists and Russian propagandists falsely accused the United States of using bioweapons on the battlefield in 2015, a Chinese colonel and professor at one of the Chinese military's senior command colleges wrote a book accusing the US of developing genetically modified bioweapons in 2016, a Chinese general and the head of China's National Defense University
published a book stating, and this is a very chilling quote. In the development of biotechnology today, the most lethal weapons are genetically engineered weapons designed to attack people based on their specific ethnic or racial background, causing specific races to become ill, such as suffering immune deficiency, loss of intelligence, sterilization, or even death while leaving other races unscathed. Uh, accordingly, senior Chinese military officers right of the
need to establish what they call biological dominance or biological deterrence, meaning that they must demonstrate the ability to weaponize advances in biotechnology using new genetic manipulation techniques such as CRISPR, so that all other countries will fear the People's Republic of China, and if a war breaks out, for instance, over Taiwan or some other flashpoint, the United States and other countries. will be too intimidated to intervene to achieve biological dominance, then the Chinese
Communist Party has sponsored the rise of a company called Beijing Genomics Institute, which makes genetic sequencing machines and perform sequencing services. This company is known to have been working with the Chinese military to study the genomes of fetuses and newborns since 2010, they've been sending out test kits to pregnant women, prenatal test kits in other countries like Europe in in countries in Europe. Um, they've also been known to be researching on genetic manipulation techniques to make
super soldiers, for instance, to make soldiers resistant to altitude sickness. The Chinese Communist Party has subsidized the company, allowing it to underprice foreign competitors, and the idea is so that they can use their funds from the CCP to underprice competitors, drive them out of the market, and then dominate the market for sequencers and sequencing services, which allows them to connect clients or patients' DNA. And genetic material. Though the concern again is that they are using this genetic
genetic material that they are collecting from all over the world to create tailored bioweapons that will hurt non-Chinese, but spare Chinese uh people, and for this reason at the federal level, the government, the US government has put the company and its affiliates or subsidiaries on no go list procurement ban lists from the Commerce Department to the Defense Department, uh, the company has also been, uh, implicated In the Uighur, the genocide of the Uighur population in western
China, so some of the sanctions are for moral or or ethnic genocide reasons and others are for security reasons, but the problem is these designations don't prevent state and local institutions like hospitals in Arkansas from, from paying for BGI machines and services. So I think Arkansas has an opportunity to act here and take a leading role in protecting its people and their genetic material from a military connected hostile foreign
adversary company, and I'm happy to answer any questions and thank
you again for the opportunity to testify. Any
Representative Denise Jones Ennett
Unverified
2:01:26
questions from the committee, Representative Bennett. Thank you. Um, how many organ transplants in Arkansas performed with organs sourced
Speaker 330
2:01:34
from China. That's a good question. Thank you for the question, uh, ma'am. The other part of this bill addresses illegal organ transplants sourced from the People's Republic of China. Um, I don't know the number from uh
Arkansas specifically. I have to imagine it's not a high number. I think the major effort in that part of the bill is to symbolically say we don't want to be part of any situation where prisoners, like people of faith or minorities, ethnic and Religious minorities in China who are being persecuted from the Chinese Communist Party. We don't want to be complicit in the forcible extraction of their organs, and there are many documented cases of forced organ extraction in the People's
Republic of China. I just don't know how frequently it happens
Representative Denise Jones Ennett
Unverified
2:02:23
in Arkansas, but again, the idea would be to say we don't want to be
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
2:02:30
part of that. With which ethnicity is being targeted here in Arkansas. Uh, well, there's two main um
Speaker 330
2:02:37
victim populations that have been discussed in literature. One is people from Western China, the Muslim Uighur population that is two successive Secretaries of State, both Secretary Blinken and Secretary
Secretary Pompeo before him, if I'm not mistaken, said that there was a genocide against those people in China. happening, um, also, there is the Falun Gong, um, religious community. Those are people who believe in a particular, uh, faith in the People's Republic of China, and they are being persecuted for their religious belief because the Chinese Communist Party considers them a cult, and they've been put in prison and at least one person who had a forcible organ extraction in prison there
survived and somehow ended up leaving China and came and testified. in the United States last year at a different hearing, so We can see the scars, we know the stories, um, medical professionals have documented that this is happening. The reason they know is because sometimes they'll have a patient and they'll try to coordinate care in the People's Republic of China, and they'll get a time for the transplant that is crazy quick. Like, obviously, you know, usually if you need a transplant, you have to get on a list, and depending on your eligibility and you know what
criteria you meet, it can take weeks, months, years. Many people have been waiting for years. But in the People's Republic of China, doctors are getting told, sure, we can take your patient, we'll match them up, you know, in a matter of days. Uh, and so that's not something that you would do unless you were registering prisoners, um, unfortunately, to make their organs available, which I mean unfortunately often leads to their death. Any other questions from the committee?
Seeing on anyone else in the audience speak for or against the bill.
Senator Penzo, you recognize clothes for your bill. Um, you got anything else to close with? No, thank you very much, uh, for your
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
2:04:38
time and attention. Yeah, thanks for letting us get this in. I just
asked for a good vote. a motion to pass. Any discussion? Representative McGee, you recognized for discussion. Thank you,
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
2:04:49
Mr. Chair. I, I, I like this pill. I'm going to vote for it. I
encourage all the members to vote for it. I have personal experience. Uh Not personally as a physician myself, but a friend of mine who did corneal transplants. His ophthalmologist that specializes in corneal transplants. A number of years ago went to China to give a course. And they identified 13. Of course this is secondhand because it's from my friend. They identified 13 people that needed corneal transplants in
this clinic that, that uh uh he was staffing and instructing physicians there. Now in the United States, he might identify 13 people he would put on a corneal transplant list and eventually they would get their corneal transplant. He made a comment and they told him, Don't worry about it, we'll have him here tomorrow, and he had 13 corners the next day. Now you don't get 13 corneas in one day unless you go get them from somebody, so that's real life experience. So I encourage
everyone to vote for this. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
Chair. Thank you for your indulgence. Any other discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor say aye. I posed, eyes have
it. Congratulations, your bills passed. Thank you. Members will stand in recess call of the chair.
Agenda
CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENT
Number Sponsor Subtitle
HB1079 F. Allen TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR AN INHERITED GENE MUTATION FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS; AND TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR EVIDENCE-BASED CANCER IMAGING FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.
HB1255 Wooldridge TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.
HB1429 M. Shepherd TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING QUALITY FOR CERTAIN FACILITIES PERFORMING MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION OF FACILITIES FOR MAMMOGRAPHY.
HB1679 M. Brown TO AMEND THE REVISED ARKANSAS ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT; TO ALLOW CERTAIN CLASSES OF PERSONS TO REVOKE OR AMEND AN ANATOMICAL GIFT UPON THE DEATH OF THE DONOR; AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REPORTING OF PROCUREMENT ORGANIZATIONS.
HB1734 Childress TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; AND TO CLARIFY THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY SIGN A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE OF DEATH AND PRONOUNCE DEATH OF A PATIENT.
REGULAR AGENDA
Number Sponsor Subtitle
SB238 J. Payton TO AMEND THE USED TIRE RECYCLING AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.
SB473 Stone TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF THE ARKANSAS FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES BOARD; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ARKANSAS FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES BOARD TO ADVISE THE ARKANSAS FIRE TRAINING ACADEMY ON CERTAIN MATTERS.
SB117 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN PRACTICE ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSURE OF NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS IN ARKANSAS; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS STATE BOARD OF NATURAL MEDICINE.
SB444 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT.
SB507 G. Leding TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO COVER APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR CERTAIN BENEFICIARIES.
SB554 C. Tucker TO CREATE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM.
SB560 J. English TO DECREASE THE BASE CONTRIBUTION RATE; TO INCREASE THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT RATE; TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE SKILLED WORKFORCE IN THIS STATE; AND TO AMEND THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES TRAINING TRUST FUND.
SB120 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR ALL PRIVATE CARE AGENCIES IN THIS STATE; AND TO ENSURE CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR VULNERABLE AGING ADULTS.
SB347 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO INCREASE REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR CERTAIN DENTAL SERVICES AND TO SET AN ANNUAL REIMBURSEMENT CAP FOR ADULT DENTAL SERVICES.
SB534 G. Leding TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; AND TO REMOVE MITRAGYNINE AND 7-HYDROXYMITRAGYNINE, ALSO KNOWN AS KRATOM, FROM THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES LIST IN ARKANSAS.
SB576 B. Davis TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.
SB601 Hester TO CREATE A PATHWAY FOR A GRADUATE OF A FOREIGN MEDICAL SCHOOL TO BE LICENSED IN THIS STATE IF HE OR SHE IS OFFERED FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT AS A PHYSICIAN FROM A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.
SB2 C. Penzo TO REPEAL THE STATEWIDE FLUORIDATION PROGRAM; AND TO REMOVE THE MANDATE FOR WATER SYSTEMS TO MAINTAIN A FLUORIDE CONTENT.
SB121 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT TO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.
SB122 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT TO PHYSICIANS.
SB217 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQUEST A WAIVER TO EXCLUDE CANDY AND SOFT DRINKS FROM ELIGIBLE FOODS UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
SB255 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "DRUG" WITHIN THE FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB262 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRINE; AND TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHO OWNS A MEDICAL CORPORATION TO MAINTAIN OWNERSHIP UPON AN INACTIVE LICENSE OR RETIREMENT.
SB311 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE END ORGAN AND GENOMIC HARVESTING ACT; TO PROHIBIT COVERAGE OF CERTAIN HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT OR POST-TRANSPLANT CARE; AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN GENETIC SEQUENCERS AND GENETIC ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES.
SB598 J. English TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "EMPLOYEE" UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW RESULTING FROM INITIATED ACT 4 OF 1948.
SB603 C. Tucker TO REQUIRE AN AIR AMBULANCE TO CONTACT THE ARKANSAS TRAUMA SYSTEM FOR DIRECTION ON THE BEST DESTINATION TO TRANSPORT A PERSON.
SB627 Irvin TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND LICENSING AND THE STATE'S ELECTRICIAN, HVACR, ELEVATOR, AND BOILER SAFETY LAWS.
HB1996 Gramlich TO AMEND THE CHILD LABOR LAWS ENACTED BY INITIATED ACT 1 OF 1914; TO ESTABLISH AN EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVE TO CIVIL PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS; AND TO CREATE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS RELATED TO CHILD LABOR.
HB1998 Torres TO CREATE THE JAMES MCFERRON MENTAL HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND RESILIENCY ACT; AND TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO SERVICES AND TRAINING TO FIRST RESPONDERS.
SB632 F. Love TO AMEND THE FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO REQUIRE WARNING LABELS FOR HAIR RELAXERS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN CHEMICALS.
DEFERRED BILLS
Number Sponsor Subtitle
HB1008 A. Collins TO REQUIRE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR POSTPARTUM MOTHERS FOR ONE YEAR AFTER GIVING BIRTH.
HB1010 A. Collins TO SET THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES.
HB1011 A. Collins TO CREATE THE RESTORE ROE ACT; AND TO RESTORE A WOMAN'S ACCESS TO ABORTION SERVICES.
HB1012 A. Collins TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS FOR FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES.
HB1013 Hudson TO PROTECT FERTILITY TREATMENT RIGHTS IN THIS STATE.
HB1029 D. Garner TO SET THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SERVICES RELATED TO ADDICTION.
HB1032 A. Collins TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY.
HB1132 Pilkington TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES; AND TO AMEND THE PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY OF AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE.
HB1224 Nazarenko TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; AND TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT TO MASSAGE THERAPISTS.
HB1244 K. Brown TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF FULL INDEPENDENT PRACTICE AUTHORITY BY A CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONER OR CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST.
HB1270 Pilkington TO ESTABLISH A PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CARE PILOT PROGRAM THROUGH A SECTION 1115 MEDICAID DEMONSTRATION WAIVER; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
HB1302 L. Johnson TO ADD DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY TO THE UNIVERSAL NEWBORN SCREENING ACT.
HB1401 Pilkington TO INCLUDE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY SERVICES WITHIN THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT.
HB1463 Hudson TO PROHIBIT DISCLOSURE OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST MATERIALS OR TEST DATA.
SB187 Irvin TO AMEND THE COMPOSITION OF THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID DRUG UTILIZATION REVIEW BOARD TO INCLUDE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.
HB1532 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS RARE DISEASE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
HB1566 McClure TO REQUIRE ADOPTION OF A STATEWIDE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM CORE CURRICULUM TO INCREASE CONSISTENCY IN PRACTICAL NURSING EDUCATION.
HB1592 J. Mayberry TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA PUBLIC HEALTH ACT.
HB1718 Gramlich TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR SURGICAL SMOKE EVACUATION IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES LICENSED IN THIS STATE.
HB1723 Pilkington TO AMEND INITIATED ACT 1 OF 2000, ALSO KNOWN AS THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS ACT; AND TO DIRECT THE ARKANSAS MINORITY HEALTH COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH AND ADMINISTER A GRANT PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS.
HB1781 Crawford TO AUTHORIZE THE LICENSURE OF CLINICS, HEALTH CENTERS, OR OTHER FACILITIES IN WHICH A PREGNANCY IS TERMINATED OR ABORTED IF CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MET.
HB1588 McAlindon TO REQUIRE APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SEEKS OR IMPLEMENTS AN EXPANSION OF COVERAGE FOR THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.
HB1776 Lundstrum TO AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL OR TRANSFER STATION PERMIT OR AN EXPANSION OF A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL OR TRANSFER STATION PERMIT.
HB1795 A. Brown TO CREATE THE FERTILITY CLINIC LICENSURE ACT.
HB1816 L. Johnson TO PROHIBIT HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND HEALTHCARE INSURERS FROM USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES OR THE GENERATION OF MEDICAL RECORDS UNLESS CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.
HB1818 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED CARE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.
HB1819 L. Johnson TO REQUIRE THE STATE REGISTRAR OF VITAL RECORDS TO COORDINATE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES TO CONTACT MOTHERS FOR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD.
HB1882 Pilkington TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF ENROLLABLE MEDICAID BENEFICIARY POPULATION AND ALLOW THE GOVERNOR TO DESIGNATE MEDICAID POPULATIONS TO BE ENROLLED UNDER THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT.
HB1888 Steele TO AMEND THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES LAW; AND TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT RECORDS FOR INDIVIDUALS.
HB1890 J. Mayberry TO ALLOW SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO BILL FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES; AND TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO REIMBURSE SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE SERVICES.
HB1906 Lundstrum TO REQUIRE WRITTEN CONSENT OF A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN WHEN PRESCRIBING LONG-ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION TO A PERSON WHO IS YOUNGER THAN EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.
HB1791 C. Cooper TO CLARIFY THAT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND THE UNITED NATIONS DO NOT HAVE JURISDICTION OR POWER IN THIS STATE AND DO NOT HAVE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE OR IMPLEMENT ACTIONS IN THIS STATE.
HB1880 Hudson TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HUMAN LIFE PROTECTION ACT AND THE ARKANSAS UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT TO ADD CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS.
HB1908 Long TO CREATE THE PROOF OF RESIDENCY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; AND TO REQUIRE PROOF OF RESIDENCY FOR ADULT APPLICANTS.
HB1909 Long TO CREATE THE PUBLIC SERVICES ONLY FOR CITIZENS ACT; AND TO REQUIRE VERIFICATION OF CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
Documents
| Title | Type | Pages | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agenda — PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE- HOUSE, Apr 10, 2025 | Agenda | 5 | Official source ↗ |
Speakers
Representative Jeff Wardlaw Chair
Unverified
Speaker 4
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
Speaker 27
Representative Paul Childress
Unverified
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
Speaker 42
Speaker 58
Speaker 62
Speaker 64
Speaker 46
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
Speaker 76
Speaker 91
Speaker 92
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
Representative Denise Jones Ennett
Unverified
Speaker 111
Speaker 118
Speaker 120
Speaker 122
Speaker 78
Speaker 130
Speaker 134
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
Speaker 93
Speaker 74
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
Speaker 70
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
Speaker 115
Speaker 159
Representative Aaron Pilkington
Unverified
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
Speaker 164
Speaker 97
Speaker 174
Representative Glenn Barnes
Unverified
Representative Ryan A. Rose
Unverified
Speaker 106
Speaker 209
Representative Dolly Henley
Unverified
Speaker 221
Speaker 30
Representative Cindy Crawford
Unverified
Speaker 237
Speaker 239
Speaker 240
Representative Wayne Long
Unverified
Speaker 248
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
Kevin Cleghorn
Unverified
Speaker 276
Speaker 278
Speaker 281
Speaker 282
Speaker 284
Speaker 288
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
Speaker 291
Speaker 299
Speaker 302
Speaker 303
Speaker 305
Speaker 263
Dan Parker
Unverified
Chair
Unverified
Representative Bruce Cozart
Unverified
Speaker 323
Speaker 324
Speaker 330