Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee - Senate
Video
Transcript
1 document
Bills discussed (54)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1004
· 7 mentions in chapter, agenda, transcript
Matched: “HB1004 Pilkington TO REQUIRE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR POSTPARTUM MOTH…”
|
TO REQUIRE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR POSTPARTUM MOTHERS FOR ONE YEAR AFTER GIVING BIRTH. | Pilkington | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1679
Act 861
· 6 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ank y'all for being with us. OK, Representative Matt Brown, House Bill 1679, I believe we have an amendment. Yes,”
|
TO AMEND THE REVISED ARKANSAS ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT; TO ALLOW CERTAIN CLASSES OF PERSONS TO … | M. Brown | Notification that HB1679 is now Act 861 |
|
HB1784
Act 864
· 4 mentions in transcript, chapter, agenda
Matched: “…Second, all those in favor say aye and opposed, I have it. House Bill 1784 is passed. Thank you, Brown, as Representative Brown is com…”
|
TO MODIFY THE INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. | Wardlaw | Notification that HB1784 is now Act 864 |
|
HB1251
· 3 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1251 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSIS…”
|
TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSURE OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS. | L. Johnson | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1142
Act 859
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1142 A. Brown TO CREATE THE REPRODUCTIVE EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT…”
|
TO CREATE THE REPRODUCTIVE EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT THROUGH OPTIMAL RESTORATION (RESTORE) ACT. | A. Brown | Notification that HB1142 is now Act 859 |
|
HB1164
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1164 J. Mayberry TO ALLOW A PHYSICIAN OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO…”
|
TO ALLOW A PHYSICIAN OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO OFFER COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR CERTAIN PATIENTS; AND … | J. Mayberry | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1185
Act 799
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1185 L. Johnson TO ADOPT THE DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT IN ARKA…”
|
TO ADOPT THE DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT IN ARKANSAS. | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1185 is now Act 799 |
|
HB1186
Act 960
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…EMENT ORGANIZATIONS. REGULAR AGENDA Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1186 Vaught TO CREATE THE PAIN RELIEF PARITY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE…”
|
TO CREATE THE PAIN RELIEF PARITY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE PAIN RELIEF PARITY IN THE … | Vaught | Notification that HB1186 is now Act 960 |
|
HB1187
Act 858
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1187 Vaught TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT FOR MARRIAGE…”
|
TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS. | Vaught | Notification that HB1187 is now Act 858 |
|
HB1218
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…SOLID WASTE LANDFILL TO BE PLACED OVER A KARST TOPOGRAPHY. HB1218 J. Mayberry TO CREATE LICENSURE FOR THERAPEUTIC RECREATION…”
|
TO CREATE LICENSURE FOR THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALISTS; AND TO CREATE THE THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PRACTICE ACT. | J. Mayberry | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1252
Act 965
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1252 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH THE CERTIFIED COMMUNITY-BASED DOULA…”
|
TO ESTABLISH THE CERTIFIED COMMUNITY-BASED DOULA CERTIFICATION ACT; AND TO CERTIFY BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM DOULAS … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1252 is now Act 965 |
|
HB1285
Act 856
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…hnson TO ADOPT THE DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT IN ARKANSAS. HB1285 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH AN EXEMPTION PROGRAM FOR AMBULANCE…”
|
TO ESTABLISH AN EXEMPTION PROGRAM FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE'S OPERATORS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE SERVICES. | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1285 is now Act 856 |
|
HB1428
Act 855
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1428 Steimel TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING PUBLIC LODGING; AND TO P…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING PUBLIC LODGING; AND TO PROVIDE A BED HEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR … | Steimel | Notification that HB1428 is now Act 855 |
|
HB1439
Act 853
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…L DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. HB1439 Ladyman TO REMOVE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS OF THE DEPARTME…”
|
TO REMOVE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FROM LICENSURE AS A … | Ladyman | Notification that HB1439 is now Act 853 |
|
HB1442
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…estrictions designating areas as 'Members and Staff Only'. HB1442 Achor TO SET RESTRICTIONS ON PHARMACY CONTRACTING AND CONFL…”
|
TO SET RESTRICTIONS ON PHARMACY CONTRACTING AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; AND TO ESTABLISH PHARMACEUTICAL PATIENT … | Achor | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1456
Act 852
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…OF HUMAN SERVICES FROM LICENSURE AS A PRIVATE CARE AGENCY. HB1456 Rose TO AMEND THE STATE KIDNEY DISEASE COMMISSION TO BE AN…”
|
TO AMEND THE STATE KIDNEY DISEASE COMMISSION TO BE AN ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE DEPARTMENT … | Rose | Notification that HB1456 is now Act 852 |
|
HB1458
Act 851
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1458 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "CREDENTIALING INFORM…”
|
TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "CREDENTIALING INFORMATION" WHEN THE ARKANSAS STATE MEDICAL BOARD IS PROVIDING … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1458 is now Act 851 |
|
HB1471
Act 966
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1471 Wooldridge TO AMEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF ALL LICENSES OF…”
|
TO AMEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF ALL LICENSES OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE … | Wooldridge | Notification that HB1471 is now Act 966 |
|
HB1537
Act 850
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RD IS PROVIDING INFORMATION TO CREDENTIALING ORGANIZATIONS. HB1537 Ladyman TO REPEAL THE LOCATION ACT FOR COMMUNITY HOMES FOR…”
|
TO REPEAL THE LOCATION ACT FOR COMMUNITY HOMES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. | Ladyman | Notification that HB1537 is now Act 850 |
|
HB1585
Act 849
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1585 L. Johnson TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FROM LICENSURE AS A HOME…”
|
TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FROM LICENSURE AS A HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICE TO AN ENTITY THAT … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1585 is now Act 849 |
|
HB1767
Act 863
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1767 L. Johnson TO ABOLISH THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISO…”
|
TO ABOLISH THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL; AND TO CREATE THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1767 is now Act 863 |
|
HB1801
Act 961
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1801 K. Moore TO AUTHORIZE AN OUTSOURCING FACILITY OF LEGEND DRU…”
|
TO AUTHORIZE AN OUTSOURCING FACILITY OF LEGEND DRUGS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES THAT COMPOUNDS A PRODUCT … | K. Moore | Notification that HB1801 is now Act 961 |
|
HB1817
Act 865
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1817 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH ELIJAH'S LAW IN ARKANSAS; AND TO RE…”
|
TO ESTABLISH ELIJAH'S LAW IN ARKANSAS; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1817 is now Act 865 |
|
HB1840
Act 967
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…SH A STATEWIDE ANAPHYLAXIS POLICY FOR CHILDCARE FACILITIES. HB1840 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CAR…”
|
TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT TO ENSURE THAT SEDATION DENTISTRY IS COVERED … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1840 is now Act 967 |
|
HB1841
Act 1021
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…DENTISTRY IS COVERED BY RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS. HB1841 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS REVENUE INVESTMENT IN VIT…”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS REVENUE INVESTMENT IN VITAL EMS SYSTEMS (ARRIVES) ACT; AND TO CREATE … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1841 is now Act 1021 |
|
HB1869
Act 868
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1869 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE MATERNAL OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT SYSTE…”
|
TO CREATE THE MATERNAL OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AND TO ORGANIZE … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1869 is now Act 868 |
|
HB1893
Act 819
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1893 M. Brown TO AUTHORIZE A PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER OR BUSINESS…”
|
TO AUTHORIZE A PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER OR BUSINESS OWNER TO BAN AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL … | M. Brown | Notification that HB1893 is now Act 819 |
|
HB1943
Act 962
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1943 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CAR…”
|
TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT; TO IMPROVE THE ENROLLMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1943 is now Act 962 |
|
HB1954
Act 869
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…GANIZATIONS; AND TO EMPOWER BENEFICIARIES WITH INFORMATION. HB1954 Andrews TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS BEHAVIOR ANALYST REGISTRATIO…”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS BEHAVIOR ANALYST REGISTRATION ACT; AND TO INCLUDE QUALIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS UNDER … | Andrews | Notification that HB1954 is now Act 869 |
|
HB1965
Act 870
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1965 McCullough TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HEALTHY FOOD RETAIL ACT O…”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HEALTHY FOOD RETAIL ACT OF 2025; AND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES … | McCullough | Notification that HB1965 is now Act 870 |
|
HB1403
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…Y- BASED SERVICES WITHIN RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS. HB1403 Pilkington TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME ACT OF 2021 TO ALLOW NONHOSPITAL … | Pilkington | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1523
Act 951
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1523 Vaught CONCERNING MISSING PERSONS ALERTS; TO CODIFY THE ARK…”
|
CONCERNING MISSING PERSONS ALERTS; TO CODIFY THE ARKANSAS AMBER ALERT SYSTEM; TO CODIFY THE ARKANSAS … | Vaught | Notification that HB1523 is now Act 951 |
|
HB1576
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ULANCE SERVICE'S OPERATORS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE SERVICES. HB1576 Lundstrum TO PROHIBIT A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL TO BE PLACED O…”
|
TO PROHIBIT A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL TO BE PLACED OVER A KARST TOPOGRAPHY. | Lundstrum | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1682
Act 942
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1682 Puryear TO CREATE THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ACT; AND TO CLARIFY FOO…”
|
TO CREATE THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ACT; AND TO CLARIFY FOOD DONATION LIABILITY AND IMMUNITY. | Puryear | Notification that HB1682 is now Act 942 |
|
HB1768
Act 815
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1768 Lundstrum TO REQUIRE A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL CONTRACT RELATI…”
|
TO REQUIRE A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL CONTRACT RELATING TO A HOST FEE TO BE VOTED … | Lundstrum | Notification that HB1768 is now Act 815 |
|
HB1848
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB 1848”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE PRESUMPTION THAT AN AWARD OF JOINT CUSTODY BETWEEN PARENTS … | Hudson | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1963
Act 963
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1963 Gonzales TO CLARIFY THAT AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NU…”
|
TO CLARIFY THAT AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE WHO PRESCRIBES A STIMULANT MAY SUBSTITUTE A … | Gonzales | Notification that HB1963 is now Act 963 |
|
SB2
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…WAIVER FOR THE AGING AND ELDERLY POPULATION IN THIS STATE. 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. |
|
SB221
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…AL HEALTH RESOURCES. DEFERRED BILLS Number Sponsor Subtitle SB221 B. Davis TO PROHIBIT RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS FROM…”
|
TO PROHIBIT RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS FROM USING CERTAIN TYPES OF CONTRACTING PRACTICES WHEN CONTRACTING WITH … | B. Davis | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB225
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…OVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. SB225 J. Scott TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO PROVID…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A CATEGORY FOR BENEFICIARIES WITH SICKLE CELL … | J. Scott | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB269
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…VIDE A CATEGORY FOR BENEFICIARIES WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE. SB269 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING LOCATIONS FOR…”
|
TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING LOCATIONS FOR AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF A HOSPICE AGENCY. | C. Penzo | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB273
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ING LOCATIONS FOR AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF A HOSPICE AGENCY. SB273 D. Wallace TO REQUIRE DIALYSIS CENTERS TO HAVE A BACKUP GEN…”
|
TO REQUIRE DIALYSIS CENTERS TO HAVE A BACKUP GENERATOR ON SITE. | D. Wallace | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB306
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…HIBIT FLUORIDATION OF THE WATER IN THE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM. SB306 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO APP…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO APPLY FOR A HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES … | C. Penzo | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB312
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…SMENT FEE ON HOSPITALS UNDER THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. SB312 Stone TO REMOVE THE MORATORIUM ON THE CONSTRUCTION OR ADDIT…”
|
TO REMOVE THE MORATORIUM ON THE CONSTRUCTION OR ADDITION OF ANY ADDITIONAL BEDS WITHIN PSYCHIATRIC … | Stone | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB474
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…RENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CERTAIN 340B-COVERED ENTITIES. SB474 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS;…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS; AND TO ALLOW THE BOARD OF A … | C. Penzo | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB532
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…S THE SERVICE OF REMOVAL OF A TIRE FROM A RIM. Page 3 of 4 SB532 Hester TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "SPECIALTY HOSPITAL" RELA…”
|
TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "SPECIALTY HOSPITAL" RELATING TO THE ASSESSMENT FEE ON HOSPITALS UNDER … | Hester | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB542
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…EQUIRE DIALYSIS CENTERS TO HAVE A BACKUP GENERATOR ON SITE. SB542 B. Davis TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE…”
|
TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT; TO IMPROVE THE ENROLLMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS … | B. Davis | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB543
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…GANIZATIONS; AND TO EMPOWER BENEFICIARIES WITH INFORMATION. SB543 B. Davis TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR HOME- A…”
|
TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WITHIN RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS. | B. Davis | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB587
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…SAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO PERFORM ADDITIONAL CARE AND DUTIES. SB587 G. Leding TO CREATE THE PARENTS' PEACE OF MIND ACT; TO ESTA…”
|
TO CREATE THE PARENTS' PEACE OF MIND ACT; TO ESTABLISH AUTHORIZATION FOR AND USE OF … | G. Leding | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB589
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…L BEDS WITHIN PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES. SB589 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE 340B PROGRAM TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND T…”
|
TO CREATE THE 340B PROGRAM TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING TRANSPARENCY AND … | C. Penzo | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB606
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…NONHOSPITAL ENTITIES TO BE COMMUNITY BRIDGE ORGANIZATIONS. SB606 B. Davis TO AMEND THE USED TIRE RECYCLING AND ACCOUNTABILIT…”
|
TO AMEND THE USED TIRE RECYCLING AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT; TO CREATE THE TIRE MANAGEMENT AND … | B. Davis | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB616
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…FOR WAIVERS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES. SB616 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY RES…”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY RESIDENT MONITORING AND COMMUNICATIONS ACT; AND TO ESTABLISH … | C. Penzo | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB622
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ECYCLING FUND; AND TO CREATE THE WASTE TIRE ABATEMENT FUND. SB622 B. Davis TO REMOVE THE PROHIBITION ON A TIRE RETAILER FROM…”
|
TO REMOVE THE PROHIBITION ON A TIRE RETAILER FROM CHARGING OTHER FEES TO A PERSON … | B. Davis | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB95
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…E MANDATE FOR WATER SYSTEMS TO MAINTAIN A FLUORIDE CONTENT. SB95 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS ATHLETIC TRAINERS ACT; AND T…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS ATHLETIC TRAINERS ACT; AND TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "ATHLETE" WITHIN … | C. Penzo | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
Machine transcript
May contain errors. Verify important quotations against the official video.
About transcript accuracy
- Source
- Whisper
- Model
- ggml-large-v3-turbo.bin
- Processing date
- October 6, 2026
Chair, sees a quorum. Okay, good morning, everybody. I appreciate everybody being here. We've got a busy schedule. We are going
to go to Representative Wardlaw first, then to Representative Matt Brown, and then to Senator Davis. Representative Wardlaw, you're recognized to present House Bill... 1784. 1784.
All right, if you'll state your name for the
record, you may proceed. State Representative Jeff Ward, Law District 94. Thank you,
Madam Chair. So, members, in the skilled nursing facilities, first full disclosure, I know you guys' rules. I don't work in health care anymore. I now work for Delta Waterfowl in the waterfowl world, and I only care about waterfowl conservation these days. But my wife still works in the nursing homes, just to be clear. Is that better? Thank you.
yeah i understand skilled nursing and long-term care facilities in arkansas are surveyed by the office of long-term care when these surveys take place over the last few years we saw a huge increase in idrs that huge increase has been thrown out when those when those are repealed appealed and because that process there's certain evidence is not allowed what this bill does is open it up where all evidence is allowed. And it fixes that process to help correct that high
number of erroneous IDRs. And with that, Madam Chair, I'd take any questions. Are there any questions from the members
of the committee? Seeing none, is there anyone in the audience to speak for or against the bill? Seeing none, you're recognized to close for your bill? I'm closed, Madam Chair. Motion to pass. Second, all those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed, As have it, House Bill 1784 is passed. Thank you, Madam Chair of the Committee. Representative Brown. As Representative Brown is coming to the table, I want to introduce our Senate pages that are with us today.
Are you in the room? Awesome. Okay, we're glad to have you. Kate Faulkner, Pulaski Heights Middle School. She's here for Senator Tucker and Stella Kane. Hi. Glad to have you guys. Stella is also here from Pulaski Heights Middle School. We will try to be on our best behavior, so you guys watch us and make sure that we're on our good behavior. Thank you all for being with us. Okay, Representative Matt Brown, House Bill 1679.
Yes, Madam Chair, Matt Brown, House District 55. Okay, this amendment basically just clarifies the definition of determination of death. Do I have a motion to adopt the amendment? Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. Motion amendment is adopted. House Bill 1679, we've already heard. Is there a motion to do pass as amended?
Is there a motion? And second. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. Congratulations. You've passed your bill.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. All
right. Senator Davis. Okay. This is House Bill 1004. Is that correct for Representative Pilkington? Okay.
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
3:43
Brian Davis, State Senate, District 25.
please proceed thank you madam chair this is house bill 1004 and it deals with 12-month postpartum coverage we know that the governor and multiple members of the legislature have been working very hard to address the issue in a very practical way with 12-month postpartum coverage so this bill is very narrow we've tailored it very narrowly to deal with a group
of women who do not fall under AR homes. So they are between the 138 and 200 percent federal poverty line. So they actually fall through the cracks because they're not eligible to enter into our homes for coverage. So this, and it also ensured that we were not duplicating coverage. That was a concern to make sure that we were being very targeted in the way that we spent our dollars to both cover women, but do it in a prudent way with tax dollars.
So we took the concerns about not duplicating coverage into account, and we found this targeted solution, and that is through CHIP funding. It's already being used for pregnancy Medicaid under the unborn child option, and the unborn child option has been in the state plan since 2004, covering pregnant women up to the 209% federal poverty line. Excuse me, I misspoke earlier when I said 200%. So this would just be a companion piece to that by extending the coverage for 10 months because they currently have coverage.
They qualify while they're pregnant, so they have 60 days postpartum. But this would just extend it for 10 more months to cover it for 12 months total. This approach is, like I said, there's already chipped dollars that are allocated for things like this, so it's very targeted. We know that 40% of women are falling through the cracks and losing their coverage after 60 days postpartum. That number continues to rise. A couple years ago, it was about 33%.
So we're seeing each year that number increase of new moms that are falling through the cracks, trying to take care of their new babies, some dealing with postpartum issues, and just needing to ensure that they continue to have medical coverage. So with that, I am happy to take any questions. Thank
you. Are there any questions from the members of the committee? And there is a fiscal
impact statement that is attached to the bill. Any other questions? Okay. Without objection, I know that we have a lot of people that are signed up for and against on this bill.
So we're going to give you two minutes to make your statement without objection if I can be overruled by the members of the committee. Is there any objection to that by the members of the committee? No. Okay. So when you speak
on this bill, you get two minutes and we will time you. Okay? All right. So speaking, we'll go to for and against. First, we'll go to against Janet Mann. If y'all want to come together, that's fine.
Janet Mann and Elizabeth Pitman. You're okay. Okay. Good morning, Janet Mann, DHS.
Speaker 47
7:16
DHS. Thank you for this opportunity to speak. We are in opposition of HB 1004. Arkansas did pass Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, which is investing $45 million in the Medicaid spending on maternal health, as Senator Davis referenced earlier in her testimony.
We are in the process of implementing those rules to be live on 7-1 of this year, which will unbundle payments and open up office visits in addition to lab and additional coverage. The bill was misrepresented in the House committee, and it does have a fiscal impact, which I think that the chair has referred to. The fiscal impact is approximately $11 million. It is true that CHIP funds could be used to be used for matching, which would change the state's share by approximately $400,000 in reduction.
Speaker 48
8:08
The majority of the women who are getting coverage have
Speaker 47
8:13
been covered. There is a difference in traditional Medicaid and our home. We cover up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Pregnancy Medicaid does cover up to 209% of the federal poverty level. After 60 days, they do have the opportunity to go to the marketplace and receive care and coverage with subsidies for the 139 to the 209%.
We have made additional steps to help ensure that coverage is done pre-losing their Medicaid coverage and post-losing their Medicaid coverage. In addition, I would like to add we've started a report every quarter on who has lost coverage and have been sending that to the legislature for two quarters now in October through December. We would like to note that the majority of the women that are losing coverage in this category,
about 38 percent, are undocumented or not U.S. citizens. So with that, I will close.
All right. Thank you. Are there any questions from the members of the committee?
Speaker 47
9:23
Yes, Senator Hill. What do you think the state's cost was on this? The total computable is approximately $11 million. The state share is, state share under regular match rate would be $2.7 million. And under using S-chip funds would be $2.3 million.
Thank you. And can you repeat the last statement that you said
Speaker 48
9:48
about 38% were undocumented, illegal citizens? Yes, ma'am. So we produce a
Speaker 47
9:54
report every quarter that was passed in special language. And so in our largest category, postpartum is ending. There's about 905 women in that category. And 51% of those, 38% of that is non-U.S. citizens or undocumented.
42% have income over the 138. Okay, thank you. Appreciate that. Okay,
thank you. Okay, no other questions from members of the committee? All right. Speaking for the bill, Mackenzie Davis. Thank you. If you'll please state your name for the record.
Speaker 59
10:42
You have two minutes. There we go. My name is Mackenzie Foreman, and I am a licensed certified social worker, and I am certified in perinatal mental health. I am the owner of Holding Space Counseling, which is a private practice in North Little Rock that focuses on maternal mental health. And so today I'm here to testify in support of Bill 1004.
Maternal health cannot be separated from maternal mental health. As a social worker, I see firsthand the gaps in care that leave women vulnerable. Today, I want to share a few of those stories whose lives were directly impacted by Medicaid policies that failed them. These cases are not rare. Research shows that women are at risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders from conception through 12 months postpartum.
at least 22 months for those that carry full-time. Yet, Medicaid coverage ends too abruptly, creating dangerous gaps in care. We know that untreated maternal mental health conditions lead to poor birth outcomes, increased maternal mortality, and long-term harm to both mother and baby. Yet, Medicaid disruptions leave too many without care. I've worked with a client who suffered a miscarriage.
She sought therapy and found a provider, but just one month into treatment, her Medicaid was cut off. No warning, no transition plan. During the hardest time of her life, her access to maternal mental health was gone. I've worked with a woman who experienced a traumatic miscarriage. And when she became pregnant again, her Medicaid was dropped. By the time she made it to the doctor, her baby had already died and she had to endure
the devastating reality of delivering a child that was dead. Thank you. Thank you. I
appreciate you being here. Thank you. Thank you so much. Okay, LaToya Morgan. Were there any questions from
members of the committee? See none. Thank you. LaToya Morgan, speaking for the bill, you have two minutes. Madam Chair. Yes. Would you please make sure everyone gets a microphone
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
13:09
up to them? Yes. I do have my old hearing aids in. My new ones are dead. Because if I can't hear them,
Okay. Yes, we want to hear you, so you need to put that mic. Just pull it up to you, and then just there you go. You've got two minutes. Can you hear me? Can you hear me loud and clear? Yeah, yeah. Thank you. Please state your name
Latoya Morgan
Unverified
13:33
for the record, and you may proceed. Hi, my name is Latoya Morgan, and I am speaking for this bill. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the legacy of my dear friend, Helena Stanton, who tragically did not have the chance to raise her three precious daughters, Caitlin, Kennedy, and Kylie. Prior to giving birth, Helena had to be admitted to the hospital three months prior to birth because of preeclampsia.
Shortly after giving birth, Helena began experiencing severe difficulties with her mobility, struggling to move her limbs, and ultimately breathe. She didn't have access to a doctor until it became an emergency because she didn't have access to Medicaid. What we initially thought would be a temporary issue turned to something more severe, leading to her hospitalization. May I add that my dear friend was not treated like the sickest patient in the hospital. During this time, I made a promise to Helena, one that I would relieve some of her burdens that she was carrying.
I did not know that when I made this promise that they would last an entire lifetime. You see, just 71 days after giving birth, my baby Kylie was still in NICU at UAMS. Helena lost her life. No family should have to worry about how their loved one would be cared for after childbirth. This should have been a joyous occasion for our family. A time for celebration instantly turned into an unforgettable tragedy. Thank you.
And this is a picture of Kylie, because I want you to put a face with this. And this is a picture of her other two daughters that no longer have their mother. And Kylie has never laid eyes on her mother to her knowledge. The only thing that she has is our stories and pictures. Thank you. Thank you for being here and your testimony. Are there any
questions from the members of the committee?
All right, seeing none, thank you so
much for being here. Zenobia Harris. Is Ms. Harris in the room? Thank you. You have two minutes.
If you'll just state your name for the record, you're fine. We don't start the clock
Speaker 60
15:52
until you start talking. Good morning. My name
Zenobia Harris
Unverified
15:55
is Zenobia Harris, I'm a registered nurse, and I'm also executive director of the Arkansas Birthing Project.
We provide local mentors training to provide support to women during pregnancy and for the first year of life for their babies. And I've had the distinct pleasure, honor, or responsibility myself of actually helping women try to navigate through applying for Medicaid during pregnancy. We've had several women who've had difficulty getting on Medicaid for various reasons. It is not a seamless process. And I also had a woman who I've worked with who actually got cut off Medicaid prior to her baby being born.
And we had to do a lot of advocacy and work for her to be able to get coverage so that the birth of her baby would be covered and she would have coverage during her delivery and postpartum. Arkansas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the United States of America. We've done a lot of work to address this maternal mortality issue, but we need to do a little bit more to make sure that the women who are giving birth in our state give birth to healthy children and give birth and are able to live to care for their children.
So I want you to please consider addressing this great need that we have in our communities. Thank you. Thank
you. Are there any questions? Thank you. All right. Ms. Stephanie Garner. thank you for being here
Stephanie Garner
Unverified
17:30
if you'll just state your name for the record thank you my name is Stephanie Garner
Speaker 81
17:34
and I'm CEO of RVAC which is the parent company of Lake Point recovery and
wellness in Russellville Arkansas we specialize in serving mothers and children and every day I see firsthand how critical Medicaid is not only in supporting mothers in recovery but also helping families heal and remain together. This past year, we've served over 390 individuals, 43% of whom are women. Of those women, 93% are white, 5% are black, and 2% are Hispanic. Above those enrolled in our specialized women's services program, 59% are on or eligible for Medicaid. Unfortunately, many of
these mothers face a care gap due to the current 60-day postpartum Medicaid limit. Substance use disorders and mental health conditions don't resolve in two months. When coverage ends, I've seen women relapse, return to unsafe environments, or even lose custody of their children, not because they didn't want to get better, but because they lost access to care that was helping them recover. A common barrier in addressing access due to instability. Many of the women in our program move five or more times in a year, often missing renewal notices or struggling to verify their eligibility due to housing insecurity.
This instability leads to lapses in Medicaid coverage, making it extremely difficult to continue accessing behavioral health, medical, prenatal, or postpartum care, all of which are vital for their long-term recovery and ability to parent. Without consistent coverage, even those who are making progress can find themselves slipping backwards. In fact, 80% of the women currently in our care have a pregnancy-related complication that impacts both their physical and mental health,
and those conditions often worsen without continuous treatment and support. Extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months is a crucial step.
Speaker 83
19:33
Thank you very much. Thank you. Wrapped it up super fast. Any questions from members of the committee?
Thank you. Seeing none. Thank you so much. We have one last person, Danielle Wright. You'll just come to the table and state your name for the committee. That would
be great. Thank you for being with us this morning. Good morning.
Danielle Wright
Unverified
19:57
Thank you guys so much for hearing me today. My
Speaker 85
20:01
name is Danielle Wright. I come to you all today with just like many mothers, many roles for myself as a breastfeeding specialist, and a mom from Tuckerman, Arkansas, the county being Jackson County. I personally experienced losing coverage after having my one-year-old son, who also temporarily also lost his coverage. This was extremely difficult because recovering from an emergency C-section that was completely unplanned, caring for two other children as a single mother, and seeking mental health
therapy for myself, at one point even finding myself crying in a DHS office because I was having to prove a very difficult moment that I was not ready to relieve, to experience and relive in that moment because I could not get help. Moms and families need support during this time and this bill would make sure moms and other families just like me don't have to go through this or this without postpartum care. Thank you so much for your time and your consideration and
I'm glad to be here today. Thank you. Thank you. You
Senator John Payton
Unverified
21:09
have a question? Senator Payton. Actually, I have a question for the bill sponsor. I didn't know
when would be the proper time. Well, any questions for this young lady? Yes. Representative, I mean, I'm sorry. Senator Letting. You were here last week in committee. You waited
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
21:20
all day and you had your three children here with you. I did. Appreciate you coming back to share your thoughts with us. Thank you so much. Won't give up. Thank
you. Thank you. Any other questions for this young lady? Thank you so much, Ms. Danielle Wright.
Thank you. Any other? Okay,
so Senator Payton, you're recognized for question of Senator Davis. Thank you,
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
21:41
Madam Chair. So this says it's an extension, and based on looking at the fiscal impact, evidently we currently have a two-month period that they're covered? That's correct, 60 days, this
group of women. So currently they're covered
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
21:57
for two months, and this would add 10 months. Is there any difference in coverage?
No, but it just extends the coverage for 10 months.
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
22:07
Okay, and so then can you explain what that coverage is? Is it just like full Medicaid for any problem that they have or is it somehow specific to the pregnancy and complications? I mean, I'll let
DHS come up and speak specifically to that if you're okay with that so don't misspeak. Yeah, I'll just cure it. I'm trying
to figure that out. Yes, please come forward and
Speaker 102
22:27
state your name for the record. Yes, again, Elizabeth Pittman with Department of Human Services. So this is specific to women in our pregnant women's category and it extends our pregnant women's coverage.
That coverage, I think as of 2023, was extended to include our full range of benefits. So it is everything that Medicaid has. So it's just
Senator John Payton
Unverified
22:47
full Medicaid coverage. It's not specific to any nursing complications? No, sir. As part of the efforts
Speaker 102
22:53
of the previous governor to help maternal health in Arkansas, it used to be limited pregnant women's coverage, So it was tied to something that put the pregnancy in jeopardy or was in some way pregnancy related.
But in an effort to improve maternal health in Arkansas, we extended that. I believe January 1st of 2023 was the effective date of that. And it now includes all Medicaid benefits. So now women can access mental health care and
Senator John Payton
Unverified
23:21
everything like that. So anyway, I'm just trying to sort it out in my head. Like if they needed a knee replacement,
I may cover it. Okay, thank you. You're welcome. Thank you,
Chair
Unverified
23:31
Senator Wallace. You're recognized for a question. Thank you,
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
23:36
Madam Chair. This is a question for DHS.
Yes, sir. Sorry. Hey, I appreciate you being here. Money's tight. Do we have any idea what percentage, if any, of illegal immigrants would be benefiting from this? Yes, sir. Ms. Mann
Speaker 100
23:55
testified as to that earlier, and I'm trying to remember those exact numbers. Thirty-eight
Speaker 102
24:01
percent of the women who are losing coverage are considered undocumented or illegal. Thirty-eight percent. Yes, sir.
Speaker 100
24:09
And that's of the women losing coverage. Yes,
sir. Okay, thank you. Any other questions from members of the committee? All right,
seeing none, nobody else is here to speak for or against the bill. You're
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
24:26
recognized or closed for your bill. Thank you, Madam Chair. In closing, I would just like to say a few different things. One, I just want to reiterate how much that myself and Representative Pilkington respect the work of the governor, of members both in the House and Senate and others that have worked very hard to address the 12-month postpartum coverage.
It's been a long, extensive effort, and there's been a lot of meetings and a lot of work on it to get it right for the state. So this bill is just simply a companion piece to that. It builds on the work that is being done. The work in the 12-month postpartum coverage does not include these women. This is a group of women that fall between 138 and 209% of the federal poverty line. So they are not included to be eligible for AR homes. So we are simply trying to say that women, this small group of women, will not lose their coverage,
that they'll still be able to have it after the 60 days, just like all the other women that fall and qualify for AR homes, that they have access to medical appointments after having a baby, that they have the ability to have mental health appointments. A lot of women suffer with postpartum. There's a lot of services that these new moms need and supports. And we are number one in maternal deaths in the country, in infant deaths in the country. We have got to address this holistically. And like I said,
I think there's been a lot of really good work done, but it has not included this group of women. So none of these services are duplicative. It's a group that we're just letting fall off in large numbers. I think, like they said, like 42% of women are falling off in this category. And so it's imperative that we continue that 10-month coverage for these women. We've been using CHIP funds for this group, this group of women, since 2004.
We've included them in coverage up to 60 days. So this is nothing new. It's something we've been doing, and we should extend that same coverage to this group of women as we're doing to all the other women who do qualify for AR homes. In regards to the undocumented, the 38% of undocumented people, women, that have coverage, To that, I would say it's not all illegal immigrants. There's a lot of different definitions of undocumented.
And the solution to that is simple. Include in the state plan amendment that if you are not a legal citizen, you do not qualify for these benefits. The state has been paying, if that number is accurate, if 38% is accurate, The state has been covering these women since 2004, and now it's a problem. So if we want to address the issue, then we can put it in the state plan amendment that it will only cover citizens.
And the great news on that is it will actually make the fiscal impact statement even smaller. The state share under this bill is $2.3 million using CHIP funds. That's the state share. And if 38% of those women are undocumented, then let's write it in the state plan when we submit it to CMS and say only legal residents can have access to these funds, and that will make the state share even smaller. So I think that's an easy thing that the state can address.
And like I said, there's story after story of heartache that women have gone through, losing coverage, being new moms. It's a scary time. It's an emotional time. Our bodies are doing a lot of recovering after we grow and birth a human. And it takes a while to recover, and sometimes we need extra supports and services. And we're leaving a group of women out that qualify for 60 days but do not qualify under AR Homes. And I think it's our responsibility as a state to make sure that
these women are covered for 12 months.
With that, I'm closed. I'd ask for a
Speaker 117
28:38
good vote. Thank you. Thank you. What's the pleasure
of the committee? Is there a second? Second. All right. Any discussion? I have discussion. We cover emergencies for undocumented, but we cannot cover and we can't cover for regular services. So I just want to make sure that that is information that's corrected that was sent to me from DHS.
So we do cover emergencies for undocumented citizens, but we do not and can't cover for regular services. We don't cover them now. That's information
that I got from DHS. Any other points of discussion? All right. Seeing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye.
And opposed? No. No, I have it. Sorry, the bill fails. Thank you. Okay, we
have, let's see, is Representative Lee Johnson in the room?
Yes. Okay, I'm sorry. Yes, she is. The sun is blocking mine. Thank you. That's
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
29:55
such a gentleman. Representative Lundstrom. Thank you. Thank you, Representative Johnson. House Bill 1768 is what I'm bringing before you today. Okay. Currently, if you have a host fee with a landfill, there are many cities and counties that have failed to do something very important,
and that's have a start date and an end date. This simply acts to be a start date, an end date, or a renewal date. It also asks, and I think this is the most important
part, is that contracts be voted on in front of your city council
and approved by your city council. So with that, I
would entertain any questions. Are there any questions from the
members of the committee? Any questions? Nope. Okay. Anyone here to speak for or against House Bill 1768? Oh, you have a question?
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
30:45
Yes, please. Did you ever get the layout that Senator Payton asked about as far as... That was on a
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
30:52
different bill, but you did bring up something. I want to thank the County Judges Association for helping me perfect this bill, which is why it took a little longer to get here.
Okay, thank you. Yeah, appreciate that. Any other questions,
Speaker 135
31:08
Senator Love? Okay, so is there any opposition to this bill? No,
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
31:12
there currently isn't, but there is something that I discovered that y'all need to know about.
There's such a thing in these city councils that are called evergreen contracts. They just never go away. A mayor, an older mayor from the past, will sometimes sign a contract with no end date. That doesn't need to happen. It needs to be renewed or updated, and this allows for that every four years. And that was something, Senator Love, when you run a bill, you learn a lot of things,
and that was something I learned that I think will be important for all of us to know. Okay. All right. Thank
you. Good information. Thank you. Any other questions from the members of the committee?
Great. Seeing none, is anyone here to speak for or
against House Bill 1768? I may have already said that. No. All right. You're closed
for your bill? Are you closed for your bill? Yes, ma'am. And I would appreciate a good vote. Motion do pass and second. All those in favor say aye. Thank you. And
opposed? Ayes have it. House Bill 1768 is passed. Thank you, colleagues. Thank you for
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
32:09
your time. Do you have another one? No, ma'am. I would prefer to put that one on deferred. I think it needs a little bit more polishing.
Speaker 25
32:16
Okay, we'll put that, what's that number?
Thank you, ma'am. 1576, we'll move to deferred. Thank you. Okay, Representative Johnson, is there any other? Okay.
Please state your name for the record. Representative Lee Johnson, District 47. Madam Chair, if I
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
32:36
may, I'd like to pass over
House Bill 1251, but I'm happy to run the rest in the order of the agenda.
What bill number? So, thank you. House Bill 1458. 1458. State
your name for the record and you may proceed.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
33:00
Representative Lee Johnson. Okay, please proceed. Members, currently in the state of Arkansas through the Medical Board, we have a centralized credentialing service that gathers all the credentialing information for physicians. For many years now, we've included the DEA number as part of that information that's collected. It came to the attention of the Attorney General's Office and the Department of Health over the interim, that that might not be federally allowed. And so all we're doing with this bill is removing the requirement
to submit your DEA as part of your centralized credentialing. That still can be asked for by the hospitals and insurance companies, but it apparently is potentially in violation of federal law if we're doing that as a state through the medical board. And I'd be happy to answer any questions. And I'm sure Department of Health is in the room if you have any questions. Yep,
that's right. Any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none, anyone here to speak for or against House Bill 1458? Seeing none, you're recognized to close for your bill. Close for my bill. Thank you, Madam Chair. Close. Motion due passed. Second. All those in favor say aye.
And opposed. I have it. House Bill 1458 is passed. Next. House Bill 1185.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
34:00
House Bill 1185. House Bill 1185 is the dietary compact. It's like a lot of the compacts we've run this session. It was brought to me by the dieticians. I don't know of any opposition to the compact. There is a language in the compact on page 27 that's similar to the other language we've included in all the compacts, allowing delegatory authority to the General Assembly and Legislative Council. We'd be happy to answer any questions on the compact bill. Okay, questions? Senator Payton.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
34:25
Do we get representation on their board, and is it cancelable? Yes and yes. Thank you. Okay, any other questions from members
of the committee? Seeing none, anyone here to speak for or against House
Bill 1185? Seeing none. You close for your bill? I'm closing my bill, Madam Chair. And motion do pass. Second. All those
in favor say aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. Congratulations. You passed your bill. Next bill. House Bill 1285. Okay. House Bill
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
34:54
1285. Please proceed. Members, last session we passed some legislation to empower ambulances to treat patients in place and get paid for that process.
We called that ET3, emergency treat, transport, or triage. One of the things that that required was a telehealth interaction between a physician and the ambulance service before they could treat in place. In the interim, the ambulance services came to me and approached me about some times where some things had been called out on that were very minor complaints. For instance, let's say you're on a blood thinner and you cut your finger doing the dishes and you're scared, right? So you call 911, the ambulance shows up, and then it's basically just a very small cut.
The bleeding stopped. They have a bandit on it. They don't want to transport. That's, under the current statute, the only way the ambulance service would get paid is if they did a telehealth visit with a physician. They brought to me several different scenarios where they felt like a telehealth visit might be exempted. And so they asked for a process to try to come up with an exemption. So what we did is we talked to the Department of Health. We have in the Department of Health an emergency advisory committee. And this bill tasked that committee with coming up with some protocols they feel like are safe to exempt from the telehealth requirement.
And then services would be able to adopt those protocols if their medical director approved them. It also allows services to petition this committee for other protocols. You know, I was a little concerned about the spill out of the gate because I don't want to create a scenario where we're taking the physician out of the loop in the field. But I also recognize that there are some minor things that come up periodically that people call 911 about. And sometimes there are some technical issues with the telehealth process that make it a challenge. And I want to recognize that, and I do think there are safe ways to approach this.
And I think through the experts on the Emergency Medical Advisory Committee at the Department of Health, they can come up with some safe
protocols, and I'd be happy to answer any questions on the bill. Okay, I have
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
36:47
questions. Who makes up this Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council? So right
now, it's a 17-person advisory council that consists of multiple members of the EMS community, physicians, also members of the consumers. There is a bill that I'm going to present later that actually condenses that committee and outlines it in statute so you can see exactly who's on the committee then.
The new one would be an 11-member board. But it's
physicians, it's EMS members. Is that bill before us right now? It
will be. Okay. Can we pull this bill down until that other bill gets here? Because I have some concern about us relinquishing our power over to this undefined in statute counsel, number one. And then number two, I would say, for me, the way I read this bill, I would want to know that from a legislative counsel or something perspective, because this
could open up things that we may or may not want to be opened up, utilizing under the umbrella of telemedicine. And I just don't want us to have any scope creep, you know. I understand. And
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
37:53
I don't, I don't, yes, it does. And I have some of those same concerns, so I tried to be thoughtful. I'll pull this down,
and if you'd like, we can present. I would appreciate that. Sure, for sure. House Bill 1797. Okay, House Bill 1797.
Okay. So House Bill 1797 is the
bill that I referenced, so, oh, I'm sorry. I've got to have better
readers. Yeah, House Bill 77. Thank you, Senator Payton. So currently in the Department of Health, there's an EMS section and there's an EMS Advisory Council, Governor's EMS Advisory Council. But the council doesn't have any regulatory authority. So any issue that comes up with a paramedic, with an EMT, with a hospital ambulance service, that issue gets adjudicated through a subcommittee of the General Board of Health.
That's the current state. Sometimes that subcommittee might consist of a cosmetologist, a water treatment engineer. It doesn't necessarily consist of anyone with any medical authority. And so what we're trying to do in this bill is reconstitute how we govern EMS and the Department of Health and make it more like what we do with cosmetology and orthotics and prosthetics. And we're also streamlining this committee. So one of the problems that we had with this committee since it's been established is with 17 members, they've had some challenges getting a quorum.
And so we're reducing that to 11. And I'm trying to find the right place. And this is a
big bill because... On page 11. Yeah, this is a big bill because everywhere... You had to strike. We're striking a lot of things and moving the authority to this committee. So if you look at page... Beginning on page 11, section 17, one member is an emergency medical services medical director of a ground ambulance. That would be a physician. One member who is an emergency certified by the Arkansas... So this would be an ER doctor.
One member that's a consumer, that's number three. One member that's a paramedic for a ground service, number four. One member at large who is a medical services clinician, that could be an EMT or a paramedic. One from an air medical service that's a paramedic. And one from a government service, some EMS services are private, some are government-run, local county services.
And then one from a private group of EMS. We're trying to get representation from each type of EMS services. One who is military and one who is fire-based and the one that's a director of a program. So we have physicians, we have EMS educators, we have members
of different types of EMS services, including air ambulance. They would all be sitting on this committee and helping adjudicate issues that come up in the
pre-hospital space. Okay. But it's heavy on EMT, paramedic versus physician. Is that concerning to you? I mean,
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
41:00
I'm the Senate sponsor, but I'm just... Yeah. I think I'm okay with that. It doesn't... It's not... The
proportion is not markedly different from what we have in current statute. And I think the physicians will have a strong voice in that. The other thing I'm comfortable with is anything that comes out of this committee would have to be, like with regard to protocols, would have to ultimately be approved by the medical director of each service.
Okay. So the physician medical director of each EMS service, whether it's ground or air, is still going to have control
over any protocols or anything that comes out of that.
From an adjudication standpoint, I'm okay with it being heavy on medics because most of the issues, you know, when I was on the Board of Health, I got called into a lot of these hearings, and it's almost always a medic or an EMT that's sitting in the hearing. And while I understand pre-hospital medicine, I'm not a peer necessarily with the paramedics. So from the standpoint of adjudication of issues that may arise, I like having paramedics, EMTs, because I think they understand better the issues that these folks are going through,
just like I like having physicians on the medical board. We talked about trying to create a new board, but we felt like that was going to be burdensome for the state to have a separate
board for medics, which is why we're trying to create this
committee for better governance. Okay, I got it. Any questions
from members of the committee? All right, seeing none, anyone here to speak for or against 1767? Seeing none, you're closed for your bill. I'm closed for the
Speaker 163
42:30
matter, Chair. What's the pleasure of the committee?
Motion due, pass. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Bless you. Ayes have it. Okay, House Bill 1767 passes. Now let's go back to House Bill 1285 because now it makes sense. Yes, so House Bill 1295, this
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
42:48
would be referred to this committee. To be clear, all
we're trying to say is there are certain circumstances where a 911 call is minor enough. I get it. And they would have to have physician-approved protocols to say what those were, and there'd be two layers of control, the committee and them.
Okay, thank you. Any questions from members of the committee? Senator Payton? I
Senator John Payton
Unverified
43:11
just would appreciate if you'd say it this way. It is a defined list, and only the things on that list will be what they can address. It will be a defined set of
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
43:19
protocols, and the only thing they could do is adopt those protocols. Those protocols will be developed. So a list is different. I think a list is these are the conditions. I understand. But a list of protocols. I
Speaker 167
43:30
appreciate you correcting me on that. Yeah, that's correct. Okay, thank you. Any other questions from members of the committee?
Seeing none. Anyone here to speak for against House Bill 1285? Seeing none. You recognize a close for your
bill? We're closed for my bill, Madam Chair. Thank you. Motion due passed. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. House Bill 1285 is
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
43:58
passed. Thank you. All right. Next. House Bill 1252. House Bill 1252. Members, this is a bill that got delayed. It was part of the maternal health package from the governor. We had a similar bill with community health workers. This one was waiting on a fiscal impact statement.
That's in your packet, members. And so essentially with this, we're doing the same thing we did with community health workers. We're creating a certification process for doulas in the state and then creating a reimbursement mechanism for them. This was worked on at great lengths with the Doula Association of Arkansas, DAR, and the pathways to certification are agreed upon between the Department of Health and the Doula Association. Be happy to answer
any questions. So again, this is one of the
certification pieces that are part of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative. Correct.
And so there's kind of a package of bills
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
44:45
that went along with it. Correct. Governor agreed to support community health workers and doulas. This is the process to allow that reimbursement for those services. Okay. Thank
you. Yes, Senator Payton, you're recognized. I think it's important since
Senator John Payton
Unverified
44:57
we broadcast these meetings to the public and people out there, I think we should say what a doula
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
45:05
is. Of course. No, I think you're right, Senator Payton. That's a good point. I mean, we get to the end of the session, and we say these bills fast, and doulas have
been working in Arkansas for over a decade. Doulas are typically women that help other women through their pregnancy, right? They counsel them about what it's like to be pregnant. They help facilitate care through their pregnancy. They help coach them through the pregnancy and the postpartum period as well, and they have been playing a vital role in the maternal health process for many years in Arkansas, and now this is validating the things
that they do. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Good explanation. And I know that there's large support for this legislation.
They're just not here to speak for it. Any other questions from members of the committee? Seeing none, anyone here
to speak for or against House Bill 1252? Seeing none, you're recognized to close for your bill. I'll close for my bill, Madam Chair. Motion due passed. Second, all those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed, ayes have it. Congratulations, House Bill 1252 is passed. Do you have more?
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
46:11
Lee Johnson Day. Appreciate your patience, committee. Yeah, we're
fine. So, house bill 1585, if you look at that bill, currently in statute, there's a list of people who are exempt under this statute from licensure. You can see that it's at the bottom of page one, a registered nurse, a vocational nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapists, a speech therapist. We're adding
language in lines six through eight on page two that clarifies that an entity that it employs or provides the services of a, and
those codes there reference the code for
a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, or a speech therapist. So we already do not require licensure for those three services. We're just saying that an entity that provides these services or employs these people also doesn't require a licensure. There was some question as to whether an entity would need one or not. This is just clarifying that they don't. Happy to answer questions. Thank you. Are there any questions from
the members of the committee? No questions? All
right. I see none. Anyone here to speak for or against the bill? Please come
forward. Please state your name for the
Charlie Martin
Unverified
47:34
record and then you're recognized. Yes. Good morning, Chairman and committee. My name is Charlie Martin. I'm the Executive Director of the Home Care Association of Arkansas. And this bill, we're protecting anything that has to do with the permit of approval for home health services. And, you know, there's
a little bit of a concern about the definition of doing a patient service in the home. And And while that's currently, I think that came into play during COVID with CMS, and I think it's in play with Part B plans under Medicare. Now, again, this is Medicare, not Medicaid. And this could be something that Medicare might take, we think, might take away in the future. And if it does, if this were to pass, then, you know, the state law might be in some sort
of disagreement with a federal requirement. And, you know, I don't know where that will lead us, but right now this service can be provided in the home right now under the current Part B plans. So we just bring that up as an area of concern. Anytime something comes up with a permit of approval or a certificate of need, it kind of raises our concern a little bit. And, again, there's nothing in this bill that won't allow this service to be provided in the home at the present time. I'll be glad to answer any questions.
Thank you. other questions from the members of the committee? You're speaking for or against? It'll be against the bill. Against. Okay. Any questions from members of the committee? Okay. I'm seeing none. I appreciate your testimony. Thank you. Representative Johnson, any other questions? That's the
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
49:15
first. I've heard any opposition to the bill and I'm happy to. Do you anticipate y'all will meet again next week? Yeah. Yes, we will. Do you want to pull it down?
This is the first I've heard of any opposition to this bill, and I'm happy to wait and run this bill next Monday if that's okay with the committee. I'll pull it down. I'll talk to this gentleman and see what's going on. That should still give us time and see if I can address any concerns. I don't know exactly how to answer his questions because, again, this is the first time I've heard any concern. I
think that's fair. I want to make a fair attempt. How about you all go and visit right now together, and we'll let you take a break. And
Senator Filippo, I think you've got some bills we need to go to. Why don't y'all go in the hallway and see what you can hash out?
Speaker 183
50:01
That'd be great. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, committee. These bills are so simple. I'm going to let my friend Matt Gilmore run through them real fast. Okay, we're going to start. We're going to start with 1439.
Speaker 184
50:18
1439. I haven't read it yet, but I will by tonight. Let's see what you got. What you got here? Okay,
we don't need Senator Filippo to say his name for the record. Matt Gilmore, Department of Health. Thank you. Thank you.
Matt Gilmore
Unverified
50:31
This is an agency bill. This is streamlined in the process for private care licensure. It's a lot of back and forth between us and DHS when an agency is trying to get licensed. So this will remove one of those steps
and make it a little bit simpler for them and for us and the whole process. All right.
Any questions from the members of the committee? Seeing none. Anyone here to speak for or against 1439? Seeing none. You've closed for your
bill. Close the bill. Make a motion due pass. Motion due pass. Is there a second? Second.
All those in favor say aye and opposed. Ayes have it. Congratulations. You've passed your bill. Next bill.
Speaker 190
51:08
This is the real meaty bill right here. This is House Bill 1471. Do you think
Matt Gilmore
Unverified
51:13
you can articulate this one, Matt? I better let you do it. Okay. House Bill 1471. This is a bill that allows the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology to move their renewal date to make it easier for folks in the industry. They want to be able to set that in rule, and that'll be a little bit more flexible and work with the industry
to make it easier on the folks that teach in the
Speaker 15
51:38
schools and that sort of thing. Okay, any questions from
Senator Scott Flippo
Unverified
51:41
the members of the committee? Could not have said that better myself, Matt. I'm
closed for my bill. Okay, you're closed. Anyone here to speak for against 1471? Seeing none, you're closed. Motion do passed. Make a motion to do pass. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. Congratulations. Bill
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
52:00
is passed. Okay, Senator Hill. Madam Chair, Senator Filippo is down there. Can you go ahead and run HB 1456?
Bring it on down here, Mr. Hill. Oh, Mr. Gilmore is there. Have
Speaker 183
52:13
a seat, Matt. 1456. Ooh, it's a heavy bill. It's multiple pages. I'm going to leave. This is House Bill 1456. We give you the hard stuff. Yeah. To amend the State Kidney Disease Commission and to be an advisory council to the Department of Health. Adam, I missed anything there? You
Matt Gilmore
Unverified
52:31
got it. This is a program commission in the department, and we want to make it an advisory council.
Just make it a little bit more efficient. It'll still be appointments. There'll still be subject matter experts involved. But just streamline the process and make it more of a program and a council with a program instead of a commission.
Thank you. Any questions from members of the committee? Senator Love?
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
52:55
So tell me exactly what's the difference between it being a commission and an advisory? Governor appointee,
Matt Gilmore
Unverified
53:00
just getting those appointments filled. This will allow the Secretary of Health to do that and just make it a little bit faster to get those appointments done.
And not quite as formal, but still have subject matter experts involved from the public involved as
far as on the council. So now
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
53:16
the director, the Secretary of Health makes an
appointment. Are these people confirmed by the Senate? If they're confirmed by the Senate, then they're not going to be confirmed by us anymore. Is that what you're saying? Correct.
Matt Gilmore
Unverified
53:31
But they would go before, I believe, the Board of Health.
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
53:36
Okay, but that's not coming before the Senate.
Matt Gilmore
Unverified
53:39
Correct. It's an effort to reduce the number of boards and commissions in the state and to make it a little bit more, I've got some help coming here. Please state your
name for the record. There we go. Charles Thompson,
Speaker 201
54:00
attorney, Arkansas Department of Health. Senator Law, thank you for the question. What it boils down to is that it's going to go before the Board of Health for the final confirmation.
The issue was, they were standalone. The Arkansas Kidney Disease Commission was in rehab services in 2019, and they felt it was better to put them under us with reorganization. that came in under us during reorganization, we realized that we could be even more efficient and programmatically as if we could, if it was administered similar to other advisory councils, they'll still be approving things. They'll still be recommending rule changes as necessary that would go before the Board of Health like any other learned advisory council. It's just making it easier, especially when it comes to a very niche area where sometimes we have, it takes a while to
get people appointed to get people interested. With going to the Board of Health, we can go to any Board of Health meeting, get our nominees, have them here, and have those folks in there and making great decisions. So it's really an efficiency thing is all this is. What is still operating as a standalone commission under ADH, it's an advisory council still doing good work more
Matt Gilmore
Unverified
55:04
efficiently. And we have other councils similar to this under the Department of Health, under
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
55:10
the Board of Health now. All right. So as I said before, these commissioners are appointed by the governor, and they're confirmed by the Senate.
That's correct, and so we're removing that. Is that correct? Okay.
All right, thank you. Any other questions from the members of the
committee? All right, seeing none. Anyone here to speak for or against this bill, 1456? Seeing none, you're closed for your bill.
Speaker 184
55:37
Mr. Grimm, we're closed for Senator Hill's bill and make a motion
to pass. Is there a second from Senator Hill? All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed? Did you want discussion?
I'm sorry. Go ahead. Senator Love. Okay, thank you.
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
55:51
And colleagues, I'm just going to say this. Whenever we do something like this and then we relinquish that authority over the Senate, from the Senate, I mean, I'm not saying that the Department of Health doesn't have or Board of Health doesn't have able people to pick and choose people. But what I am saying is that you're reducing the
power of the Senate by actually turning this bill over to us, so I'll be able to no vote. Thank you.
Thank you. Any other points of discussion? All right, seeing none. I'll
Speaker 184
56:23
take one more point. The governor did agree for confirmation for commissioners to Game and Fish, which I think is a fair and equitable tradeoff to doing away with confirmation
to this. Okay. It's reasonable. Any other points of discussion? All right. Seeing none, all
those in favor, say aye. Aye. And opposed? Aye. Ayes have it. Bill passes. Thank you.
Representative Vought? Is Representative Vought... Representative Vought? Okay. Representative
Speaker 208
56:59
Brown, do you have another bill? Okay. Representative Brown.
Speaker 115
57:03
What bill is this? Madam Chair, this is 1893.
Representative David Ray
Unverified
57:18
1893. Sorry, my computer battery died. It's missing my phone. Matt Brown, House
Chair
Unverified
57:30
District 55. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm sorry, this was 18, I just said the number, I'm sorry. 1893. Colleagues, this bill regards emotional support animals. First thing I want to make clear at the very beginning is that there is something called
a service animal and then there's emotional support animals. This bill in no way, shape, or form touches service animals. These are the traditional trained dogs and things of that nature, like a seeing eye dog, you know, the legitimate that help people with disabilities. Emotional support animals, though, are when you have the little yippy dog in the grocery store or the movie theater or the restaurant that someone has brought in saying, "This emotional support animal there for you have to let me have it. I would like to make clear too, what this bill does is it provides that a private property owner, to the extent that they're permitted to under the Fair Housing Act, would be able to have the ability to ban emotional support
animals from their place of business by putting a sign at the front door. One thing I've noticed during this session is that a lot of the restaurants down there, like Riverdale area and parts of Little Rock, actually have started doing this. They're putting signs saying, you know, service animals welcome, emotional support animals are not welcome. This simply gives those business there's a little bit of the law that they can rely upon and make it clear that they can ban them by posting the sign. They don't have to individually tell people, hey, your dog's not welcome here, et cetera. The second thing the bill does, it does provide some protection for these businesses that if an emotional support animal is in the business, and let's say it bites
somebody, then they need to sue the owner, not try to sue the deep pockets of the business, unless the business acted with some sort of gross negligence or some higher level negligence. And the reason for that is we don't want to enter into a situation where there's a sign on the door, no support animals. Somebody sneaks one in, that dog bites somebody, and the next thing you know, they're suing the business saying, hey, you didn't catch this, you're on the hook, etc., etc. We didn't want to create any liability by giving this opportunity. And I'd be glad to answer any questions
the kitty may have. Okay. Senator Payton, you're recognized for
Senator John Payton
Unverified
59:17
a question. Thanks. So, several times you mentioned a dog, but just to be clear, this would apply to cats
and chickens and other things too, right? Yes,
Representative David Ray
Unverified
59:24
Senator Payton. And they've gotten very creative on what constitutes an emotional support animal. Thank you. Yes, sir.
Yeah, I have horses that would be considered emotional support animals, and so I'm
not sure that a grocery store would want us to bring my horse in. Just teasing. Senator Alive, you're recognized for a
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
59:43
question. And I'm just going to ask, is any of this covered under the ADA?
Speaker 211
59:48
No, sir. Emotional support animals are not. Service animals are not emotional support animals.
Okay. I'm sorry, Senator. I just wanted to. Okay, thank
you. Thank you. Any other questions from members of the committee? All right, scene nine, anyone here to speak for or against
this bill? All right, scene nine, you recognize the close for your bill? I'm close,
Speaker 217
1:00:09
Madam Chair, and I'd greatly appreciate a
motion. Motion to pass. Second, any discussion? We have any emotional support animals in the room? Just easy. There's so many good
things that we could have been talking about with this bill, but I'll let it go.
All those in favor, say aye. Aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. thank you but we
could have had so much more fun with that bill
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
1:00:47
representative vat thank you ma'am sorry i'm running between committees and okay which bill you got do you want to start with paying parity house bill 1186 okay
House Bill 1186 directs DHS to ensure that utilization management requirements such as prior authorization requirements for FDA approved non-opioids are no more restrictive than the least restrictive requirements set for opioids. So an example would be DHS current opioid prescribing criteria indicates that for patients who are a new start to opioid therapy, a prior authorization is not required for a seven-day supply of short-acting opioids.
The legislation does not tell providers what to prescribe. It simply ensures that non-opioids are every bit as accessible as opioids. A number of states already do this, in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, have already taken action on pain parity legislation. Bills in those three states all passed unanimously with bipartisan support and were signed into law. There's 18 additional states that are actively considering this type of parity legislation this year.
The policy consideration is straightforward. Should opioids be easier to prescribe than non-opioid alternatives? And I don't think they should be. And with that, I try to answer questions, but I might have to have somebody come sit beside me. Oh, okay.
Thank you. Any questions from the members of the committee? DHS, y'all worked with it? Okay, thumbs up back there. Any other questions from the members of the committee? All right, seeing none, anyone here to speak for or against House Bill 1186?
Seeing none, you're recognized to close for your
bill. I'm closed, and I would appreciate a good vote. Okay, motion do pass. Second, all those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. Congratulations. House Bill 1186 is passed. Thank you, ma'am. Can
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
1:02:59
we do House Bill 1187? Sure. And I have a guest. Okay, they'll come to the table. If you'll just state
your name for the record, you can be recognized. And we have a handout, which is fine.
Speaker 221
1:03:17
I'm Roger Smith with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
1:03:21
Thank you. Please proceed. And to keep from being redundant, can I let him speak and then I can help on the backside of it, ma'am? Yes, ma'am.
I know you have a large agenda. It's okay.
Speaker 221
1:03:35
Go right ahead, please. Thank you. Good morning. Madam Chair, Vice Chair Wallace, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak about House Bill 1187, legislation sponsored by Representative Vaught and Senator Payton that would allow additional mental health therapists to practice in Arkansas. I'm here on behalf of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy,
which represents 81,000 licensed marriage and family therapists in the United States. Family therapists, also known as MFTs, are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems. In Arkansas, MFTs have been licensed since 1997 by the Board of Examiners and Counseling. As you know, Arkansas is a dire mental health professional shortage. The 2024 State of Mental Health in America report ranked Arkansas 41st in the country regarding access to care. The impacts of access to care issues are even greater for those in historically underserved populations, including rural communities.
Hospital 1187 helps address the behavioral health workforce shortage in Arkansas by removing unnecessary barriers to licensure by endorsement, which would encourage more experienced MFTs to work across state lines. Under this bill, out-of-state licensed marriage and family therapists will receive a full unrestricted Arkansas license if they hold a valid unrestricted MFT license in other states, complete an application, and pay the required state fees. Many other states have either already adopted portability laws that are almost identical to this bill or are currently considering them.
During the 2024 legislative session, bills to remove barriers to licensure by endorsement were signed into law in seven states, including Tennessee and Georgia. This year, bills nearly identical to this legislation are being considered in 10 states, including Texas, to remove barriers to licensure for out-of-state therapists. House Bill 1187 will streamline the process to open doors for more highly qualified licensed professionals to support the individuals, couples, and families in Arkansas are in desperate need of support. It's possible to pursue this type of legislation across the country because MFT licensure standards
are extremely strimler across state lines. All states license family therapists. All MFTs must have at least a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or related per field. All states required in order to be licensed individual must undergo multiple years of supervision, roughly equivalent to 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and an individual must pass a national clinical exam or a comparable state clinical exam. Additionally, under House Bill 11E7, MFTs will still need to meet rigorous requirements of practice in Arkansas if they're coming from
another state. They have to have a license in good standing in another state. That means that there cannot be any disciplinary actions related to ethics, standard of care, or other violations of that state's law. Applicants will still pay the full Arkansas licensure fee. Sir, I apologize. We had a two-minute limit,
and we forgot to start your two-minute limit. I think you're past two
minutes. Oh, sorry about that. Yeah. Okay. Any other questions? Any questions from the members of the committee? All right, seeing none, I appreciate your testimony. Thank you.
Are there any questions on this bill? All right, thank you. I think we have people that are here to speak for the bill. We have three people here to speak for the bill. Thank you. Motion for immediate
consideration. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. Motion to pass, is there a second? Second, all those in favor
say aye, and opposed, ayes have it, thank you.
Thank you, thank you ma'am. I want to thank Kelly Roberts, Oklahoma Christian University and Push County FTHC for being here in support of the bill. Roger, cannot pronounce your last name because I cannot read your handwriting. And Becky Whetstone, we're all here for the bill.
Your bill passed, congratulations. All right. Senator Hammer.
Let's see. Did Senator Hammer? Alyssa Brown
is here. Representative Johnson, do you have your stuff worked out? Okay. Let's get you back, and then we'll get to you. Thank you. Representative Johnson. Representative Johnson, District 47. This is House Bill 1585.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:07:54
Okay. So I had a discussion with the gentleman that was opposed. I understand his main opposition. He's got some concern that in the future there might be a change to CMS statute that might put us in conflict with this law.
It sounds like that's a potential concern. I would argue that there's lots of laws on the book that could potentially become in conflict if there's a change to any number of federal laws. And if that were to happen, we would have to come back in and address that. That happens from time to time, but I don't think it changes the value of the bill or is the best reason not to pass the
bill. So with that, I'll close from a bill and ask for a good vote. Okay. Any
questions from the members of the committee? All right.
I appreciate the testimony that came, and I would invite you to come back if you would like to provide testimony on the bill a second time. Okay. Thank you. You've closed for your bill. What's the pleasure of the committee? Motion to pass.
Motion to pass. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed? Ayes have it. Thank you. 1585 is passed. Okay, we have another bill. House Bill 1817. Okay.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:09:11
All right, please proceed. Members, there was a child named Elijah Silvera. He was a child that
had an allergy, a severe allergy to dairy products. He passed away in 2017 while at a daycare after eating a grilled cheese sandwich. His father is making an effort to go around the country to enact this piece of legislation to try to increase awareness in daycares to allergic reactions and severe allergic responses and just create preparedness plans in the daycares in the event something like this were to happen again. We already have policies like this in place, K-12,
so all we're doing with this is we're tasking the Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Health to come up with a policy, a plan around how daycares might react to a severe allergic reaction and then provide those to the daycare. I don't know of any opposition to this bill. We worked on this bill in its original form with both the Department of Health and the Department of Education to come up with a bill that you have before you that I think is
reasonable, not overburdensome to the daycares or to the departments and doesn't create a fiscal impact and be happy to answer any questions on the bill.
Any questions from members of the committee on the bill? I see no
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
1:10:22
questions. Senator Love. Thank you. Was there a fiscal impact? I was told there
was not a fiscal impact. Okay, because I'm looking at page
three. It's saying that they will create pamphlets and different things like that. That's why I asked. Not to say that it's not important. I'm just, I just had a.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:10:45
When I say there's not a fiscal impact, I don't think there's a fiscal impact to the
department or to the government, whether there's a fiscal impact. And I think that it's permissive language, but I'm not positive on that. So I don't know that we're creating a fiscal impact. Certainly, what I was told, it's not for the government. Whether there's some sort of small impact to the daycare for printing out
pamphlets that would be provided, there may be some kind of small impact to them. Okay. All
right. Thank you. Any other questions? I would say probably not anything outside of what any kind of an administrative impact
would be on any implementation of these laws, but it could be very, very minimal. Good question. Any other questions, members of the committee? All right, seeing none, you're closed for your bill. House Bill 1817, that's a motion for the committee.
Motion to pass. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed? Ayes have it. House Bill 1817 is passed. All right, next.
House Bill 1840. House Bill 1840, please proceed.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:11:48
Members, I think there's already been a bill come through to try to help address sedation dentistry
and our developmentally disabled population. This is necessary language to allow the passes to pay for sedation dentistry. So currently, dentistry is excluded from the capitated benefits of the managed care program of the passes. We're just creating some language on page 2, lines 9, 10. that says sedation dentistry is not included in part of dentistry. This will allow the folks that provide this care to bill the passes for sedation dentistry. It doesn't create any fiscal impact on the state because it's already in their contract.
We're just opening the contract up to those codes through the capitated
rate. Any questions, members of the committee? It's kind of a companion bill with the one that I ran yesterday on the floor. Question, Senator Filippo?
Speaker 183
1:12:37
It's like a personal privilege. Senator Johnson, who do you think you are? Senator Penzo or Representative Johnson? I mean, like, you know, if we fix every single problem in the same session, what are we going to do in the 96th General Assembly? I'd love to just come back and retire. That'd be okay. Come back and just
Speaker 235
1:12:52
hang out for a while. Yeah, I mean, like, I feel like Senator Penzo sits over there,
Speaker 183
1:12:58
but right now I'm feeling like, how many more bills do you have?
Speaker 237
1:13:04
In this committee? Yeah. Two-ish. Two-ish. Thank you, Madam Chair. Do you want a batch?
I mean, I'll entertain a motion. House Bill 18, I
should not tempt Senator Flippo with that. House Bill 1840, anybody here to speak for or against House Bill 1840? You've heard
explanation of the bill. Seeing no one, you're recognized to close for your bill. I'll close for my bill, Madam Chair.
Thank you. As a pleasure of motion, do pass. Second. All those in favor say aye. And opposed, I have it. House Bill 1840 passes. Okay, next. House Bill 1943. House Bill 1943, please proceed.
Members, this is a bill that was negotiated
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:13:45
on with DD providers. There were a couple of bills that have been out there, both on the Senate and the House side. This is the bill that was agreed upon through both DHS and the provider groups to require DHS to do a rate review of direct service provider rates.
And then additionally to require this rate to
be enforced, right? If they come back and find out the rate needs to be increased, we're going to pay that rate. If it's over 10%, which it could be because we haven't done a rate review in this space since before the passes were enacted, it allows for a phase-in period of 10% the first year. It allows for a phase-in of a two-year period if it's over 10% increase and be happy to answer any questions on this bill. Any
questions from members of the committee on this bill?
House Bill 1943. No? Seeing none. Anyone? Ma'am? Yep. Madam
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:14:34
Chair, my fault. It's happened to me here. There is a bill called 1942, and I just presented that bill. This is 1943, which is a companion bill. It's 1942, but I think 1942 is actually in the Insurance Commerce Committee.
This bill does something similar. This bill is around enrollment. My apologies to the committee and to the chair for getting confused on these two bills. Right now, in the open enrollment period, there's limited information to folks that are enrolling in passes.
This bill requires passes to create a rating system for their passes based on a variety of factors, including patient satisfaction, employee satisfaction, client served. In addition to a rating structure, it also creates provider mandates they have to put their provider directories online so that if you have a doctor and you want to know if your doctor's in the past or not in the past, you can get online and see it. And then it requires the ombudsman, who we already have at DHS, to provide this information to patients.
So basically right now, if your loved one gets on the waiver list or has a Tier 2, Tier 3 behavioral health issue, they're going to be enrolled in a pass, but there's very limited information to choose between the four passes. This is providing them with
more information. Yeah, and this is actually patient-centered bill. Yes. All right. Seeing any questions on this bill. Okay. No questions.
Nobody is here to speak for or against the bill. Seeing none, motion to pass. Second. All those in favor say aye.
Aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. House Bill 1943 is passed. Next. House Bill
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:16:14
1869. Okay. This is the last bill I'll present today, Madam Chair. No, I may have one more.
Yeah, I'm close. I understand. So, members, we did a lot of things in the interim. We looked at a lot of ideas on how to improve maternal health. One of the things we discussed was creating a system to designate hospitals that are delivery hospitals the way we do in the trauma system, and to create a call center, a website to
support maternal health. This outlines the groundwork for that program, but there's no funding attached to it. So this is a program that could enact grants that would be conditional upon performance of delivery hospitals just the same way we do in trauma, but right now we've not found any funding. concerns that in the future we're going to have to subsidize some of our low-volume delivery hospitals. And if we have to subsidize those hospitals, I want there to be conditions of performance in place to say, hey, look, if we're going to give you this grant money,
you're going to have to meet these certifications. This lays the groundwork for that so that if we do get in a place in the future where we're going to have to provide some grant money to subsidize these hospitals, we could hopefully find some funding for this program. Again, right now there's no funding attached to it. But it's important, I think, to have this in
place in case we need that in the future. Yeah. Any questions from the members of the committee? So this is based on
the trauma system, basically. We've been able to do that to support our particularly critical access hospitals and
those designations. I would argue that we're at a point in the state of
Arkansas where we also have critical access for maternal and labor and delivery. So So I just want to make a
comment. I'm very supportive of this idea. Okay. Any
other questions from members of the committee? Seeing none. Anyone here to speak for or against 1869? Seeing none. You're recognized or closed for your bill? Closed for my bill, Madam Chair. And motion to pass.
Second. All those in favor say aye. And opposed. Ayes have it. House Bill 1869 is passed. Do you have more? Madam Chair,
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:18:18
House Bill 1251, there's an amendment to that bill.
That's a bill that's been heard in this committee before. but I'd like to try to hear
it again if I can. You have 1841 in here
Speaker 161
1:18:36
too. 1251. 1251. Can you explain the amendment? Senator
Hammer signed the amendment, I think. Okay. Please proceed. No. Motion to adopt. Is there a motion to adopt the amendment? And second? All those in favor say aye.
This is the anesthesia assistant. Aye. Amendment. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed. Aye's have it. Amendment is adopted. Please proceed with House Bill 1251 as amended. This is the
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:19:01
anesthesia assistant bill that we presented earlier in the session. I don't think I have to go into great detail about what anesthesia assistants do. What we're doing here is we're amending it to limit the licensure to just 50 people in a year. And so we're trying to acknowledge that, hey, look, this is a new thing. We don't want to open the gates wide, but perhaps we could just open it to a small number of people per year.
Additionally, we are tightening up the definition of immediately available to make sure that the anesthesiologist would be available for the anesthesia assistance immediately upon any concerns. And I'd be happy to take any questions on the amendment. Okay. Well, it's now ingressed into the bill, so any questions? On the bill, which is... Yeah. My
only question is the second page of the amendment is completely blank. I'm just
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:19:45
making sure that there's nothing else in there. That happened to me the other day.
Any other questions from members of the committee? All right, seeing none, you've closed for your
bill. What's the pleasure of the committee? I'm sorry, is there someone who's speaking for or against the bill? No.
Devin King
Unverified
1:20:14
Please come forward. Please state your name for the record and you may proceed. Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 247
1:20:17
My name is Devin King. I'm a student registered nurse anesthetist here in Arkansas. I'd just like to say a few things that the bill does not cover. First off, if you read on page
two and also page five, you can notice that the language says supervision. When the anesthesiologist assistant was here testifying March 12th, you could hear her say when asked a question by Senator Payton, how close is this supervision? She corrected him and said that we work under medical direction. Supervision and medical direction are not the same thing when it comes to anesthesia care. The medical direction, they have to be told everything what to do. This supervision
is different from medical direction. Also, as you heard from Mr. Broad testify the same day that as ratios increase at one to two ratio, there's a chance of fraud for 35%. One to three, it's a 99% chance and increases up to one to four. In this bill, it does not say any type of ratio that has to be done. The language of the bill is just not there.
Also, with adopting the new amendment that was just proposed with 55 new, just 55 positions, the whole list of cons that we have already listed out on the same day still apply. That doesn't change just because it's a lower number. Also, if you remember, we have about 50 graduating for this year, 2025 class of nurse anesthesiologists. With that, we would cover the jobs that was previously talked about
that were open from Senator Johnson, that he said that 25 jobs were needed. During Dr. Donovan's testimony, he said about 71% from both schools stay. If 71% stay, 35 jobs are now open. That leaves 10 jobs from the 25 Indeed jobs that Representative Johnson said were available. So that leaves 10 nurse anesthesiologists without a job here in Arkansas, satisfying the need that Representative Johnson said was needed.
I'd be happy to take any questions. Okay.
Are there any questions from the members of the committee? All right. Seeing none, thank you for
being here and for your testimony. Thank you, and please vote no. Okay. Thank you. Representative, anybody else here to speak for or against the bill? Seeing none,
thank you so much for being here. Representative Johnson, do
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:23:01
you recognize the close for your bill? Madam Chair, I'll say that CMS does define the ratios at four to one, so the
ratios are defined federally. And I'd like to point out that we do add this definition of immediately available, which
is pretty tight. It makes the anesthesiologist be readily available. You know, it's late in session. This was a close vote. The last time we tried this, I just wanted to try one more time to bring it forward to the committee with this amended language and see if maybe we could get this passed. I think you understand and have heard a lot of testimony around this already. So I'll just close my bill
and ask for a good vote. Okay. Are there any? Okay. Thank you. You've closed. What's the pleasure of the committee? Pleasure of the committee.
All right. Seeing none. Motion. Is there a second? I'll second because I'm a co-sponsor. Any discussion? I'm going to have some discussion
on this. I appreciate the opposition to the bill. However, when you change and move the goal lines, you leave a space that people are not going to want to fill those different positions. And that's a problem. And so I'm supportive of the bill. I'm going to vote yes for the bill.
But I'm supportive of it because this amendment continues to work through the problems and continues to try to address the problems as best they possibly can. And then the goalpost just keeps getting moved and moved and moved. Nobody is putting anybody under, whether it's a CRNA. I mean, CRNAs do not have immediate direct supervision. And we could argue that they should, but they don't. And I support that because we utilize CRNAs in many parts of the state of Arkansas
that are very rural, and we've always done it. my dad did surgery in Hebrew Springs, Arkansas with CRNA, but he, as the orthopedic surgeon in the operating room, was the supervising physician, okay? So you don't have, whether it's an anesthesiologist or a supervising physician, they're there. This is very, very tightly restricted to where they have to be on scene and on site, which is very different from the testimony that's been given on this bill in opposition. And so I just, with that, I think opening up a pathway for
people to come to the state of Arkansas and work in what they went to school for, which is similar to the physician assistance,
should be reasonable. So with that, I'm a yes vote. Is there any other discussion from members of the committee? Seeing none, all
those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? No. No is how that bill fails. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I do have one more bill
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:25:44
that I was pointed out I missed. If I could do one more bill. I think you're right. 1841? 1841,
yes. And I appreciate the patience of the committee today and the chair, Madam Chair.
For two sessions now, I've been working with the Ambulance Association and the Association of Counties to try to come up with a funding mechanism for EMS. It has an amendment. Oh, yes, we
do have an amendment. I forgot we're having a correct... Yeah.
So the amendment adds me as a Senate sponsor,
but then also adds some language. Distracts some language, yes. Motion
to adopt the amendment. And second, all those in favor say aye. Opposed, ayes to have it.
Amendment is adopted. You may present House Bill 1841 as amended. So I
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:26:32
want to point out again, this has no funding, but it was quite a challenge to come up with a formula that the counties and the ambulance services could agree upon. You know, we have a way of funding fire in the state through Act 833. This is where a portion of the premium tax on houses goes into a fund that's then distributed to each county in Arkansas for their fire services. What we're trying to do with this bill, what we've tried to do is mirror that sort of funding mechanism, and so we divided the counties into five different tiers based on population.
We additionally looked at call volume, so if you're an EMS service in a certain district, Your revenue is totally dependent on your 911 call volume, for the most part. And some areas in Arkansas are so rural, they don't get enough 911 calls to really support an ALS or even a BLS ambulance full-time around the clock. And so when you divide up the counties by population and call volume, there's some pretty clean breaks in five different places. And we've created this formula where there's a percentage.
If any money's ever identified, it would go into this system. It would be divided up for each county in Arkansas based on these tiers. A percentage of the money would go into each tier and then be divided up. I understand that when you look at it, the lower tier, tier 5, looks like it has about 20% attached to it. But there's fewer counties in that tier than in tier 4, which has 60% attached to it. So when you divide it up, the people that would get the most money under this formula would be the least populated counties.
And so, again, the language, the formula, there's also language in here that would provide guardrails to who would qualify for grants if money ever became available, what they could use those grants for. This would be administered if it ever came to fruition through this emergency medicine council we discussed earlier that's being set up in the Department of Health. It's important, I think, to get this in place for the same reason as the maternal health bill. I think that we're in a fragile state with our EMS system. I think our less populated counties with less call volume at some point may need some sort of funding.
If we're going to fund EMS, I think it needs to be in a fair and equitable way, and this is what
I think is a fair and equitable process. Okay, thank you. Any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none, anyone here to speak for or against 1841? Seeing none, what is the pleasure of the committee?
Motion to pass as amended. second all those in favor say aye and opposed eyes have it congratulations you've passed your bill thank you
madam chair are we done with you okay thank you uh representative stymel
it's representative stymel here um i need to run this bill for representative stymel it's house bill 1428. And
you. Members of the committee, House Bill 1428
is a bill just to provide a bed height requirement
for mobility access accessible rooms you know as you know it's important that you have a bed that's not too low to the ground for some of these folks that are disabled that need to be able to access that bed that would create problems so
there is a bed height measurement of 23 inches in height when measured from the floor to
the top of the mattress I mean so beds can either be too high or too low, depending on somebody who has a disability. So that's what this bill does,
is it just gives some assurances
as to and exactly what those measurements are. I believe he worked through this with the disabilities folks. Happy to answer any questions. Members, are there any questions? Is there
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
1:30:39
anybody here that wishes to speak for or against This is Bill. Seeing none. Senate Irvin, are you closed, ma'am? Yes,
I am closed. I appreciate it. I'll make a motion to pass for 1428.
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
1:30:56
You have a second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Congratulations. Thank you. Okay. Representative Brown.
House bill 1142. Thank you, Madam Chair. Representative Alyssa
Brown, District 41. Okay. 1142. And there is a fiscal impact that's
Speaker 262
1:31:38
in your packet. Thank you. Please proceed. Okay. Thank you. Committee members, I will make this much shorter than what I presented on the health side. The Restore Act aims to give restorative reproductive medicine coverage for women who have reproductive health conditions. We know that reproductive health conditions are the leading causes of infertility for women. Those conditions
may include PCOS, endometriosis, ovulation dysfunctions, etc. So the Restore Act is just giving that restorative reproductive medicine coverage to them. That could be an ultrasound. It could be a hormonal panel, as you see on the fiscal impact statement. Not only can this help them conceive naturally, but it also helps relieve a lot of the pain and discomfort that many women in their 20s and 30s face when these conditions go untreated. So this in no way affects a woman's
ability to access IVF or IVF coverage. Actually, there's a lot of studies that show that restorative reproductive medicine coverage paired with IVF is more successful and, again, is a better standard of care for women. So on the House side, we didn't have any known opposition
Speaker 263
1:32:53
to this, but I'll take any questions if you'll have them. Are there any questions from
the members of the committee? All right, scene nine, anyone here
to speak for or against House Bill 1142? Scene nine, you're recognized to close for your bill.
I'm closed for my bill, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Motion to pass. Second, all those in favor say aye. Aye. And
Speaker 53
1:33:21
opposed, ayes have it. Congratulations, you've passed House Bill 1142. Thank you so
much. Yes, ma'am. Okay, Puryear. What bill number is this? 1682.
Representative Chad Puryear
Unverified
1:33:42
Okay. Please proceed. She said go. Representative Chad Prager, House District 25. The Good Neighbor Act aims to address food insecurities by removing liability barriers and to encourage more food donors. It simply maintains our current protections while providing more descriptive definitions and adds clarity for non-profits and churches that are distributing donated food. With that, I'm
Speaker 268
1:34:04
open for questions. Are there any questions from the members of the committee?
Seeing none, anyone here to speak for or against this bill? Seeing none, you recognize a close for your bill. I'm
Speaker 268
1:34:21
close for your bill and appreciate a good vote and a second. Thank you.
Motion do pass. Second. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. Congratulations. You've passed your vote. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, committee. You're welcome. Thank you.
Yes. Senator Hammerson here. Did you, which
have? 1960, let's go to Kim. 1965.
Speaker 35
1:35:06
19... Oh, I need to do... And you do have a
Go ahead. Okay. Oh, this is, okay, if you'll state your name for the record, you may proceed. I'm so sorry, Representative McCullough, I did not see you over that way.
I apologize. No, no, no, she was waiting, and I apologize. I didn't even, I'm so sorry. I apologize. Okay, if y'all will just state your name for the record, you may proceed. Kim
Speaker 275
1:36:00
Hammer, State Senator, District 16. Tippi McCullough, House Representative,
Representative Tippi McCullough
Unverified
1:36:03
District 74. Okay, please proceed. I'm going to let Representative McCullough,
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
1:36:08
I think she can get to it more expeditiously. We've got the handout that's kind of a guide that will take us through it quicker. All right, perfect. Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Representative Tippi McCullough
Unverified
1:36:19
I'm just going to run through this real quick. This explains what the Health and Food Retail Act is, trying to attack the problem of food deserts in Arkansas and at the same time help our brick and mortar grocery stores such as Walmart, Kroger, Edwards, all of those. This bill is a way for us to put grants into a program, find grants, put those grants into the program through the AEDC. They could work with another partner that has more expertise to do that. We've also talked with them. We've met with
Secretary McDonald, we met with Secretary Putnam, and also with the Retail and Wholesale Grocers Association, and everybody has added language that has made this bill a lot better, filed this last session, but came together with Senator Hammer this session. We've worked this much more thoroughly, and are just trying to solve this problem because a lot of our, in a lot of our districts, we have places where people don't have good access to healthy foods, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
So this would be a program. It would grant grants to people who have ideas about how to solve this problem. And that could be very, this has happened across the South. This is based on a bill that Louisiana did. This could be new farmers markets, mobile markets, delivery options to a central hub, lots of different creative solutions that someone could come up with and apply for this. You can get grants, you could give grants out or loans, and you could stack those.
There's a list of criteria on page four. The remainder of the bill talks about accountability mechanisms. There's going to be an annual report to ALC or joint budget if we're in session. And of course, rules would be established. So far, I've felt like this has been a bipartisan bill that would be able to help these places that we all have in our districts, whether we're in an urban district or a rural district. And I don't know if Senator Hamer wants to add, but I'm ready for questions if you guys are.
Ready to go to questions, Madam Chair. Thank you. Are there any questions from the members of the committee? Scene nine. Anyone here to speak for or against
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
1:38:43
this bill? Scene nine. You recognize the close for your bill. I will say this and then yield to Representative McCullough, sorry, is to, it is a grant program, but it sets up a structure where we could move forward. And so with that, as far as the cost, as I mentioned, it's a grant-only program.
So I would appreciate taking that in your final decision and would appreciate a good vote when we
get to the vote. Thank you. Thank you. What's the pleasure of the committee? Motion
do pass. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed. As have it. Congratulations, House Bill 1965
is passed. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair of the committee. Thank you. Senator Love, will you present House Bill 1954 for me first?
Yes. I'll explain. State your name for the record. All right. Good
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
1:39:49
morning, colleagues. I'm here to present House Bill 1954. What did I say? It's House Bill 1954. Yeah, House Bill 1954, an act to create the Arkansas Behavior Analyst Registration Act.
And I'm open for any questions. Thank you. So the question is, would you agree? They were left out of the original one that we passed earlier in the session. Senator Irvin, myself, and Representative Clowney worked to make sure that they would be included, so we decided just to run a second bill to make sure that that was wrapped up. We have approval, yes, from DHS. They worked with us on the piece of legislation.
Speaker 288
1:40:38
Would you agree? I would agree. Thank
you. All right. motion do pass. Second, all those in favor say aye. Aye. And opposed,
ayes have it. Congratulations, you've passed your bill. Thank you, sir. We're just trying to
keep this moving. Okay, who's next? Who's here? Yes. Is there somebody else that's here? For
a bill. I'm just going to go through them. Okay, we're going to pass over on that
one. I think we're passing over 1218. I think we're
passing over 1442, 1523, Representative Vought, she passed over that,
1537, Senator Dees, Representative Leidyman, 1537, anyone? 1576, we're passing over that one, I think that's when we sent to deferred, right? Yeah, 1801.
Anyone here for 1801, 1963? Anyone here for 1963? I think we ran it
already. We did, yep, it's done. Okay, any other bills to come before this committee? Anybody here to present a bill?
Speaker 273
1:42:04
It did. yeah I mean call of the chair at
this point public health will be at the call of the chair and so thank you for the good work with that we're adjourned
Agenda
CALL TO ORDER
RE-REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
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.
REGULAR AGENDA
HB1186 Vaught TO CREATE THE PAIN RELIEF PARITY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE PAIN RELIEF PARITY IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.
HB1428 Steimel TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING PUBLIC LODGING; AND TO PROVIDE A BED HEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE ROOMS.
HB1523 Vaught CONCERNING MISSING PERSONS ALERTS; TO CODIFY THE ARKANSAS AMBER ALERT SYSTEM; TO CODIFY THE ARKANSAS SILVER ALERT SYSTEM; AND TO CREATE THE MISSING ENDANGERED ADULT ADVISORY SYSTEM.
HB1187 Vaught TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS.
HB1784 Wardlaw TO MODIFY THE INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.
HB1439 Ladyman TO REMOVE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FROM LICENSURE AS A PRIVATE CARE AGENCY.
HB1456 Rose TO AMEND THE STATE KIDNEY DISEASE COMMISSION TO BE AN ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
HB1251 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSURE OF WITH ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS.
HB1458 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "CREDENTIALING INFORMATION" WHEN THE ARKANSAS STATE MEDICAL BOARD IS PROVIDING INFORMATION TO CREDENTIALING ORGANIZATIONS.
HB1537 Ladyman TO REPEAL THE LOCATION ACT FOR COMMUNITY HOMES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.
HB1442 Achor TO SET RESTRICTIONS ON PHARMACY CONTRACTING AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; AND TO ESTABLISH PHARMACEUTICAL PATIENT FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
HB1471 Wooldridge TO AMEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF ALL LICENSES OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY.
HB1185 L. Johnson TO ADOPT THE DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT IN ARKANSAS.
HB1285 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH AN EXEMPTION PROGRAM FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE'S OPERATORS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE SERVICES.
HB1218 J. Mayberry TO CREATE LICENSURE FOR THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALISTS; AND TO CREATE THE THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PRACTICE ACT.
HB1682 Puryear TO CREATE THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ACT; AND TO CLARIFY FOOD DONATION LIABILITY AND IMMUNITY.
HB 1251 Amendment
HB ?
HB1252 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH THE CERTIFIED COMMUNITY-BASED DOULA CERTIFICATION ACT; AND TO CERTIFY BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM DOULAS IN THIS STATE TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND INFANT OUTCOMES.
HB1585 L. Johnson TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FROM LICENSURE AS A HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICE TO AN ENTITY THAT SOLELY PROVIDES THERAPY SERVICES THAT ARE NOT REIMBURSED BY MEDICARE PART A.
HB1767 L. Johnson TO ABOLISH THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL; AND TO CREATE THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
HB1801 K. Moore TO AUTHORIZE AN OUTSOURCING FACILITY OF LEGEND DRUGS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES THAT COMPOUNDS A PRODUCT TO SELL THE COMPOUNDED PRODUCT TO CERTAIN ENTITIES.
HB1817 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH ELIJAH'S LAW IN ARKANSAS; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE ANAPHYLAXIS POLICY FOR CHILDCARE FACILITIES.
HB1840 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT TO ENSURE THAT SEDATION DENTISTRY IS COVERED BY RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS.
HB1841 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS REVENUE INVESTMENT IN VITAL EMS SYSTEMS (ARRIVES) ACT; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS REVENUE INVESTMENT IN VITAL EMS SYSTEMS (ARRIVES) FUND FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCIES.
HB1004 Pilkington TO REQUIRE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR POSTPARTUM MOTHERS FOR ONE YEAR AFTER GIVING BIRTH.
HB1142 A. Brown TO CREATE THE REPRODUCTIVE EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT THROUGH OPTIMAL RESTORATION (RESTORE) ACT.
HB1768 Lundstrum TO REQUIRE A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL CONTRACT RELATING TO A HOST FEE TO BE VOTED ON AT A REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF A HOST COMMUNITY IN WHICH THE LANDFILL IS LOCATED.
HB1164 J. Mayberry TO ALLOW A PHYSICIAN OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO OFFER COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR CERTAIN PATIENTS; AND TO MANDATE THAT INSURANCE POLICIES COVER ASSESSMENTS FOR COGNITIVE FUNCTION FOR CERTAIN PATIENTS.
HB1893 M. Brown TO AUTHORIZE A PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER OR BUSINESS OWNER TO BAN AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL FROM THE PRIVATE PROPERTY OR THE BUSINESS PREMISES; AND TO REGULATE LIABILITY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY RELATED TO EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS.
HB 1848
HB1943 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT; TO IMPROVE THE ENROLLMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS IN RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS; AND TO EMPOWER BENEFICIARIES WITH INFORMATION.
HB1954 Andrews TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS BEHAVIOR ANALYST REGISTRATION ACT; AND TO INCLUDE QUALIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS UNDER THE ARKANSAS BEHAVIOR ANALYST REGISTRATION ACT.
HB1963 Gonzales TO CLARIFY THAT AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE WHO PRESCRIBES A STIMULANT MAY SUBSTITUTE A THERAPEUTICALLY EQUIVALENT MEDICATION.
HB1965 McCullough TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HEALTHY FOOD RETAIL ACT OF 2025; AND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR HEALTHY FOOD RETAILERS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.
HB1869 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE MATERNAL OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AND TO ORGANIZE MATERNAL HEALTH RESOURCES.
ADJOURNED
Documents
| Title | Type | Pages | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agenda — PUBLIC HEALTH WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE, Apr 9, 2025 | Agenda | 4 | Official source ↗ |
Speakers
Senator Missy Irvin Chair
Unverified
Representative Jeff Wardlaw Chair
Unverified
Chair
Unverified
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
Speaker 44
Speaker 47
Speaker 48
Speaker 59
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
Speaker 68
Latoya Morgan
Unverified
Speaker 60
Zenobia Harris
Unverified
Stephanie Garner
Unverified
Speaker 81
Speaker 83
Danielle Wright
Unverified
Speaker 85
Senator John Payton
Unverified
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
Speaker 102
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
Speaker 100
Speaker 117
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
Speaker 135
Speaker 25
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
Speaker 163
Speaker 167
Speaker 177
Charlie Martin
Unverified
Speaker 183
Speaker 184
Matt Gilmore
Unverified
Speaker 190
Speaker 15
Senator Scott Flippo
Unverified
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
Speaker 201
Speaker 208
Speaker 115
Representative David Ray
Unverified
Speaker 211
Speaker 217
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
Speaker 221
Speaker 235
Speaker 237
Speaker 161
Devin King
Unverified
Speaker 247
Speaker 252
Speaker 262
Speaker 263
Speaker 53
Representative Chad Puryear
Unverified
Speaker 268
Speaker 133
Speaker 35
Speaker 272
Speaker 275
Representative Tippi McCullough
Unverified
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
Speaker 288
Speaker 273