Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee - Senate

April 1, 2025 ·10 Minutes Upon Adjournment of Senate ·Room 272 ·20:56

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The 118. And second, Second Is that what You just have to concur with it. Go ahead and second it. Yeah. All those in favor say I am opposed. I have it, and then it is concurred and um Senate bill 286 has been withdrawn from the committee, Senate Bill 120, we need a motion to expunge the vote by which Senate Bill 120 has passed so I moved in a second. All those some papers say I, I post, I have it, uh, Senate Bill 120, uh, Senator Pen. So, uh, you can present Senate Bill 120. It has the amendment has already been engrossed. David Cook, director of government affairs for the Alzheimer's Association. Thank you Penzo, Senate District 31. I'll let Cook explain the amendment and why it was made. Yes, uh, so members, we passed this bill out prior to spring break and um was contacted by a provider um who had some concerns about the section of the code that specifically dealt with background checks. So this amendment adds uh first it adds Senator Ervin as a co-sponsor, and it also the background checks in line with um what Medicaid providers currently have to do, because we didn't want to burden providers, so we know hiring is tough. So we brought the background checks in line with the current Medicaid requirements, um, and also cut out the sex registry check because we felt that the state police check they have to do every 5 years was very sufficient and so we wanted to just address the concerns from the providers and brought out level to the Medicaid and everybody's fine with it now. So are there any questions from members of the see none. Anyone here to speak for or against Senate Bill 120. I see nobody, uh, your clothes for your bill, motion do pass. Second, all those in favor say I am opposed, I havoc. Congratulations, Senate Bill 120 is passed. Thank you. Yeah, um, I know we've got the ratom bill, but Senator English is here, and I know she's got committee tomorrow, so I'm going to let her just do the Senate bill, OK, so Senate bill, um, We are going to Senate bill. Let me find you. 560, Senate Bill 560. State your name for the, OK, state your name for the records, Senator Jane English, District 13. Thank you very much, members, and basically what this does is this is an um works with the unemployment insurance trust fund. Our unemployment insurance trust fund has almost a billion dollars in the trust fund. And up until now we have had $2.5 million that would go from the administrative account to be used for workforce training and administration and what we're proposing is to increase that amount in the administrative fund to up to $6 million to cover the increased cost for workforce training. Glad to answer any questions. Are there any questions from the members of the committee. Uh, I have one quick question. um, Specifically what how specifically what workforce training is going to be increased funding. So a lot of it could be used for income at worker training or it could be for the um Career centers around the state of Arkansas upgrading them. OK. Any other questions from the members of the committee? No, I'm closed, OK, um, there's nobody here to speak for or against Senate Bill 560. Your clothes for your bill. What is the pleasure of the committee. motion do pass? Is there a second? Is there a second? Taking time to read it. OK, well, We'll try it again another time. Oh, OK. All right, thank you, thank you. All right. OK, Creta, uh, Senator Leda, Senator Tucker is here. Do you want to yield to Senator Tucker? Is this a Senate bill, Senator Tucker? It is correct, as long as Senator Leding will yield to you. Is he OK with that? OK. Senator Tucker, I think you're 554, Senate Bill 554. If you'll state your name please for the record, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Clark Tucker, Senator District 14. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, members. This is a bill that creates the infrastructure for us to have more mental health and substance abuse. Providers in Arkansas, there's no funding attached to it, so let me just say that at the beginning to set your mind at ease, but the way this is set up is the Secretary of the Department of Human Services would would identify what's defined in the bill as a behaviorally underserved community, and that's a community that basically doesn't have enough mental health counselors, substance abuse and alcohol counselors, and then if a if a one of those counselors, one of those types of providers signs a contract to work in a behaviorally underserved community in Arkansas. and they could have a portion of their student loans forgiven, and the way that it's set up is when they sign that contract each year they're entitled to get 15%, not of their actual personal loans, but actually of the average student loan amount. That way if, if an individual actually incurred a huge debt by going to an expensive school, you know, that was their choice, but this program will not compensate for them for that. It's just 15% of the average student loan debt for someone in that profession for those 3. So it would be a total of 45% over that three-year period, not the entire student loan. I don't think I need to labor the point the fact that we have a huge need in Arkansas for more mental health providers and substance abuse providers, and again, this is just the first step in the process of trying to create an avenue to have more of these kinds of providers, especially in the areas of need in the state, communicated with Secretary Putnam about this. She, she, she's I don't want to represent their position, but she's, she's good with this being the first step, and I think at that point we'll work on funding and getting the Program structured exactly as we want it, but this is just step one toward the process of getting more of these providers, particularly in areas of need in the state. I'm happy to answer any questions about it. OK, are there any questions from the members of the committee. Senator Hill, you're recognize for question. We have a physical impact on this. There's no physical impact because yes sir. The I think it's just setting up the structures creates a fund and it says any types of monies can go into the fund. Federal grants, private contributions, state money, but there's no state money allocated. Yeah, at this time at least, yeah, I would love to get some in the future, but that's not today. All right. Any other questions from the members of the committee? Great, seeing none, um, what's the pleasure of the committee? I'm sorry, is there anyone here to speak for or against Senate Bill 554. I do not see any, uh, with that, you're working to close. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm closed. I would appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Motion to pass. Is there a second? Second, all those in favor say aye. And opposed as habit, congratulations, you've passed your bill. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, members. OK, um, Senator Leding. Hi. You'll state your names for the record, you may proceed. Greg Letting, state senator for District 30 in Fayetville. Mac Haddo, a senior fellow on public policy with the American Kratom Association in favor. Uh, some years ago, Representative Eubanks and I came to know a former state Republican state senator from Utah named Kurt Bramble. He was in that legislature for over 20 years and in fact only just at the start of this year, stepped down from that position and it was through Senator Bramble that Representative Eubanks and I became aware of freedom. He's a deeply conservative lawmaker, but through a very personal and powerful family experience. He came to understand the value of kratom, particularly when it comes to helping to alleviate People who are addicted to opioids, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and so Representative Eubanks and I carried on conversations over the years. It is through Senator Bramble that we met Mr. Haddow here and have talked about this issue here in Arkansas since at least the 2021 session. I know Senator Boyd conducted an interim study on this issue that he filed at the end of the 2023 session, and we are here today with legislation to legalize cratom in Arkansas. It is my understanding, and Mr. Haddow can correct me if I'm but that only 6 states currently outright ban freedom and in at least 5 of those states, I believe there's legislation to repeal that ban at this time in most states access to it is allowed, but with respect for the committee's time and Mr. Haddow, who traveled there from out of state, I will defer to him to explain a little bit more. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee, the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2015 provided guidance to every state that they should commence proceedings to a schedule. as a Schedule I substance in 2001 of 2015, the Arkansas Department of Public Health convened their hearing or opened up public comment period from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they received no public comments, which was consistent with the assurances of the Food and Drug Administration that this bill was not expected to be controversial. The FDA promised every state that the reason that they could commence these proceedings is that Kratom would be scheduled. as quickly as they could get all of the their ducks in a row in order to get it published in the Federal Register. That occurred on August 30th of 2016, in the Federal Register notice that the FDA provided, they claimed that among other issues that Kratom was deadly. They cited the fact that there were in fact 9 deaths in a 12 month period that occurred in Sweden in 2009. That cluster of deaths in that short period of time in a one year period obviously got the attention of public health officials around the world. What the FDA did not disclose is that when examined in the autopsy and toxicology reports were provided, all 9 of those deaths were the result of an adulterated ratting product where Odesmethyl tramadol was added to the the pure craden product, and that accounted for those deaths. And in fact, even today, the Department of Health and Human Services recognizes that deaths that are attributable to the kratom are because of polydrug use. or adulterated creating products. When the FDA said that it wasn't going to be controversial, they were wrong. In fact, after their publication on August 30th of 2016, there were 146,000 Americans in a 30 day period that went on to the White House. We the People website and signed a petition not to schedule kratom. There were 51 members of the House of Representatives, 26 Republicans, 25 Democrats who wrote to the Drug Enforcement Administration and challenged the. DA's recommendation for scheduling. There were 13 United States senators, and just to give you an idea of the bipartisan flavor of those who oppose the scheduling, former Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah wrote to the DEA and said no, and Bernie Sanders wrote and said don't do it. It gives you an idea of the strange bedfellows that are on this issue because it is bipartisan and certainly it should not be banned. On October 13th of 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration withdrew the scheduling recommendation. The first time they have ever done that with a recommendation for scheduling of a substance that has been proposed by the Food and Drug Administration on November 16th of 2000 I'm sorry, October 13th when they withdrew it, they instructed the FDA to come up with a full 8 factor analysis. That is the evaluating tool that is used even here in Arkansas. It mirrors the federal requirements and sets forth the eight specific factors that must be met prior to scheduling of any substance. On November 16th of 2017, the FTA complied and they provided the eight factor analysis on October, I'm sorry, August 16th of 20018, Dr. Bretthuis, then the Assistant Secretary for Health that designated official to supervise scheduling recommendations, and this was under the Trump administration withdrew the scheduling recommendation by the FDA, and he characterized it as embarrassing being based on embarrassingly poor evidence and data. And a failure to consider the overall public health. He challenged all of the data that the FTA had provided in June of 2021, the FDA tried one more ploy in order to schedule kratom. They went to the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to which the United States is a treaty partner, and they recommended scheduling of kratom internationally under a far different and lower standard for the criteria for scheduling on December 1st of 2021, the Expert Committee on drug dependence at the UN Commission unanimously found that there was insufficient evidence. All of the body of evidence that has been provided by the Food and Drug Administration upon which the Department of Health here in Arkansas relied has been found to be insufficient for an actual decision to schedule, and yet it slipped through here because of the promise, and I would suggest the broken promise of the FTA today there are 14. States that have passed similar legislation that is before you today. Utah, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, Texas, South Dakota, and Maryland. All of them have a regulatory structure that assures that when a kratom product is sold in their state, as this legislation will do that's before you today assuring that it has to be registered, that it has to be formulated with an independent certificate of analysis from a laboratory certifying that it meets Compliance standards for the formulation of the product and the GMP that is used to produce the product, it has to be free from contaminants. It cannot be adulterated and it has to be properly labeled and of course as age restricted. That is what these other states have done. The 14 states that have passed it today, Mississippi passed it unanimously in the House in 49 to 1 in the Senate. Nebraska passed it unanimously in both Houses, as you know, as a unicameral legislature, and they're on track to pass it on to Governor here in the next two weeks. But more important than all of that, the Food and Drug Administration today has failed to meet its burden, and as they had promised the states that they, in fact, this was a dangerous substance. When they were called to a federal courtroom on February 8th of last year where a federal judge ordered them to show up with witnesses and documents, documenting their claim that Craton was dangerous. They informed the court that they refused to participate in the hearing, saying that they have not yet determined. The ratom was in fact dangerous. We found out why just a few weeks later they published the results of a single ascending dose study on the safety of kratom that they themselves had conducted, and what they found that 12 g of kratom, which is a huge amount of kratom, 12,000 mg of kratom in a 5 minute period produced only nausea, which the placebo group in the study also experienced because of the high volume of plant material ingested in. short period of time. The FDA's position today is tokratom appears to be well tolerated at all dose levels. They cannot sustain the argument that they made falsely in 2016 and 2015 to convince this state along with the five others to do it. The FDA today acknowledges, as does the Department of Health and Human Services that kratom deaths and adverse serious adverse events are attributable to polydrug use and adulterated creating products. This bill will prevent those adulterated products from on the market. From a public policy standpoint, obviously you do not use biased evidence or insufficient evidence in order to arrive at a public policy that deprives people of their freedom to exercise the right to use products for their health and well-being. Unfortunately that's what the FDA put on you and the impact on consumers is significant. There are thousands upon thousands of people who claim the kratom has helped them, has saved their lives. The opioid addiction crisis was examined by The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the director, Dr. Nora Volko says the kratom should be available because it potentially is a valuable harm reduction tool in the opioid crisis battle that we're under now. A study by Johns Hopkins University, more than 3000 opioid addicts found that those using kratom 87% reported with a relief from withdrawal symptoms, 35% replaced their opioid addictions and products with kratom. They're advocates in this room that have promised rather than burden you with all their time, they'll do some video testimonials for you that they'll circulate to you. You should listen to them. There are veterans, law enforcement officials, and average Americans who credit ratom with saving their lives. That benefit should be available to the citizens of Arkansas. Thank you, be glad to answer any questions. Thank you. Are there any questions from the members of the committee? Right, see, none. Thank you so much. Um, Let me, uh, there's some people here to speak for the bill, um, if Leonie, uh, de Klerk. We are not going to be hearing how Bill 11:31 tonight. We will not be hearing any house bills tonight. So if you're here on a house bill, you don't, you can leave. Um, all right, we're gonna go to, uh, Jack. Penny filled, I'm sorry, Mac, Mac Haddo. OK. Uh, Jack, OK, if you'll come forward and yes. Immediate consideration. All right, that's non-debatable. All those in favor say aye and opposed, I have it. Uh Motion to pass, 2nd, all those in favor say aye and opposed. I just have it, the bill passes. Thank you, uh, members? No, it's already passed. we should go. I'm sorry, thank you, we, we are, um, uh, we have, we have a hard stop, like I said, at 6:15 tonight. Um, we'll pick back up tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Thank you so much, we're adjourned.

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Agenda

CALL TO ORDER

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SB118 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "AUDIOLOGY" RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF . AUDIOLOGISTS.

RE-REFERRED TO COMMITTEE

SB286 J. Payton TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL WAGE LOSS BENEFITS IN ADDITION TO SCHEDULED INJURY PAYMENTS UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW THAT RESULTED FROM INITIATED MEASURE 1948, NO. 4.

SB120 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR ALL PRIVATE CARE AGENCIES IN THIS STATE; AND TO ENSURE CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR VULNERABLE AGING ADULTS.

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SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS

SB534 G. Leding TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; AND TO REMOVE MITRAGYNINE AND 7-HYDROXYMITRAGYNINE, ALSO KNOWN AS KRATOM, FROM THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES LIST IN ARKANSAS.

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REGULAR AGENDA

SB2 C. Penzo TO REPEAL THE STATEWIDE FLUORIDATION PROGRAM; AND TO REMOVE THE MANDATE FOR WATER SYSTEMS TO MAINTAIN A FLUORIDE CONTENT.

SB95 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS ATHLETIC TRAINERS ACT; AND TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "ATHLETE" WITHIN THE ARKANSAS ATHLETIC TRAINERS ACT.

SB110 C. Penzo TO AUTHORIZE CERTIFIED NURSE AIDES OR CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS WHO PROVIDE IN-HOME SERVICES TO BENEFICIARIES IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO PERFORM ADDITIONAL CARE AND DUTIES.

SB121 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT TO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.

SB122 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT TO PHYSICIANS.

SB217 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQUEST A WAIVER TO EXCLUDE CANDY AND SOFT DRINKS FROM ELIGIBLE FOODS UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMP

SB225 J. Scott TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A CATEGORY FOR BENEFICIARIES WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE.

HB1186 Vaught TO CREATE THE PAIN RELIEF PARITY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE PAIN RELIEF PARITY IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.

HB1131 Pilkington TO AUTHORIZE AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE TO DELEGATE CERTAIN TASKS TO MEDICAL ASSISTANTS AND OTHER UNLICENSED STAFF.

SB255 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "DRUG" WITHIN THE FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

SB262 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRINE; AND TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHO OWNS A MEDICAL CORPORATION TO MAINTAIN OWNERSHIP UPON AN INACTIVE LICENSE OR RETIREMENT.

SB269 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING LOCATIONS FOR AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF A HOSPICE AGENCY.

SB287 J. Payton TO MODIFY CERTAIN ATTORNEY FEES FOR CONTROVERTED MEDICAL EXPENSES, APPEALS, AND CHANGES OF PHYSICIANS UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW THAT RESULTED FROM INITIATED MEASURE 1948, NO. 4.

SB306 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO APPLY FOR A HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WAIVER FOR THE AGING AND ELDERLY POPULATION IN THIS STATE

SB311 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE END ORGAN AND GENOMIC HARVESTING ACT; TO PROHIBIT COVERAGE OF CERTAIN HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT OR POST-TRANSPLANT CARE; AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN GENETIC SEQUENCERS AND GENETIC ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES.

SB312 Stone TO REMOVE THE MORATORIUM ON THE CONSTRUCTION OR ADDITION OF ANY ADDITIONAL BEDS WITHIN PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES

HB1171 K. Moore TO MODIFY THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT; AND TO AUTHORIZE AN ABBREVIATED INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT FOR CERTAIN BENEFICIARIES ENROLLED IN A RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION.

HB1403 Pilkington TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME ACT OF 2021 TO ALLOW NONHOSPITAL ENTITIES TO BE COMMUNITY BRIDGE ORGANIZATIONS.

HB1439 Ladyman TO REMOVE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FROM LICENSURE AS A PRIVATE CARE AGENCY.

HB1440 Bentley TO AMEND THE MASSAGE THERAPY ACT; AND TO ESTABLISH REGISTRATION FOR MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENTS.

HB1454 Bentley TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS FOR EMPLOYEES OF SERVICE PROVIDERS; TO ALLOW THIRD-PARTY EMPLOYEE EVALUATION SERVICES TO PERFORM CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS; AND TO INCLUDE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.

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 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.

SB347 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO INCREASE REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR CERTAIN DENTAL SERVICES AND TO SET AN ANNUAL REIMBURSEMENT CAP FOR ADULT DENTAL SERVICES.

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 ARKANSAS PURPLE ALERT SYSTEM.

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.

HB1559 McGrew TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO SEEK A WAIVER TO THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR COVERAGE FOR INPATIENT TREATMENT SERVICES FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.

HB1429 M. Shepherd TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING QUALITY FOR CERTAIN FACILITIES PERFORMING MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION OF FACILITIES FOR MAMMOGRAPHY.

HB1285 L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH AN EXEMPTION PROGRAM FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE'S OPERATORS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE SERVICES.

HB1576 Lundstrum TO PROHIBIT A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL TO BE PLACED OVER A KARST TOPOGRAPHY.

SB444 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT.

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.

SB474 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS; AND TO ALLOW THE BOARD OF A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM TO PROHIBIT FLUORIDATION OF THE WATER IN THE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM.

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.

HB1712 Joey Carr TO ESTABLISH THE SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT IN THIS STATE.

SB497 D. Wallace TO REQUIRE THE CREATION OF A POSTER REGARDING VETERANS' BENEFITS AND SERVICES; AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN EMPLOYERS TO DISPLAY THE POSTER.

SB507 G. Leding TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO COVER APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR CERTAIN BENEFICIARIES.

HB1582 McAlindon TO REQUIRE CERTAIN ACTIONS AND ENCOURAGE CERTAIN ACTIONS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS UNDER THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES LAW.

HB1622 Gramlich TO AMEND THE MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT; TO MODIFY THE DEFINITION OF "ADVERSE DECISION" UNDER THE MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE RECONSIDERATION UNDER THE MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT.

HB1619 Gramlich TO SET ADMINISTRATION FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR IMMUNIZATIONS AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS DISEASE; AND TO PROVIDE CIVIL IMMUNITY.

HB1734 Childress TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; AND TO CLARIFY THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY SIGN A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE OF DEATH AND PRONOUNCE DEATH OF A PATIENT.

HB1758 Gramlich TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HEARING INSTRUMENT DISPENSERS; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "PRACTICE OF DISPENSING HEARING INSTRUMENTS".

SB532 Hester TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "SPECIALTY HOSPITAL" RELATING TO THE ASSESSMENT FEE ON HOSPITALS UNDER THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.

HB1255 Wooldridge TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.

SB542 B. Davis 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.

SB543 B. Davis TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR HOME- AND COMMUNITY- BASED SERVICES WITHIN RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS.

SB546 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE TRUST FUND CONTRIBUTION FEE FOR WATER PERMITS RELATED TO NONMUNICIPAL DOMESTIC SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.

HB1241 J. Mayberry TO ENSURE THAT THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM REIMBURSES FOR DENTAL AND ANESTHESIA COSTS FOR HIGH COMPLEXITY ORAL HEALTH CARE.

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.

HB1782 Hudson TO PROHIBIT OVER-THE-COUNTER DIET PILLS FROM BEING SOLD, TRANSFERRED, OR OTHERWISE FURNISHED TO A PERSON WHO IS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.

SB554 C. Tucker TO CREATE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM.

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SB557 M. Johnson TO AMENDS LAW CONCERNING WATER PERMITS AND DISCHARGE OF WASTEWATER; TO AUTHORIZE DENIALS OF APPLICANTS THAT HAVE A HISTORY OF NONCOMPLIANCE; AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN DISCHARGE OF WASTEWATER.

SB556 M. Johnson TO PROTECT PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SOURCES; AND TO PROHIBIT SURFACE DISCHARGE OF WASTEWATER INTO A WATERSHED.

SB560 J. English TO DECREASE THE BASE CONTRIBUTION RATE; TO INCREASE THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT RATE; TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE SKILLED WORKFORCE IN THIS STATE; AND TO AMEND THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES TRAINING TRUST FUND.

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SB576 B. Davis TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.

SB585 G. Leding TO REQUIRE CERTAIN RECORDS BE PROVIDED TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS A MINOR.

SB587 G. Leding TO CREATE THE PARENTS' PEACE OF MIND ACT; TO ESTABLISH AUTHORIZATION FOR AND USE OF A MONITORING DEVICE IN A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY; TO PROVIDE FOR WAIVERS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.

SB589 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE 340B PROGRAM TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CERTAIN 340B-COVERED ENTITIES.

SB591 C. Penzo TO PROHIBIT RACE-SELECTION ABORTION IN THIS STATE; AND TO CREATE THE RACE DISCRIMINATION BY ABORTION PROHIBITION ACT.

HB1543 Underwood TO ESTABLISH THE WORKFORCE EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 2025.

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.

ADJOURNED

Documents

Title	Type	Pages	Source
Agenda — PUBLIC HEALTH WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE, Apr 1, 2025	Agenda	6	Official source ↗