AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB221

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB221

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  

Caption

To Prohibit Risk-based Provider Organizations From Using Certain Types Of Contracting Practices When Contracting With Providers; To Amend The Medicaid Provider-led Organized Care Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

Should SB221 be enacted, it would amend existing statutes in the Medicaid Provider-led Organized Care Act to ensure that contracting practices between risk-based provider organizations and healthcare providers are fair and non-discriminatory. By prohibiting practices that have been shown to restrict provider availability and access to necessary healthcare, the bill aims to improve healthcare service delivery to those in need, particularly vulnerable groups such as individuals with disabilities. The act's emergency clause indicates an urgent need to safeguard healthcare access immediately upon its passage.

Summary

Senate Bill 221 aims to prohibit risk-based provider organizations from employing certain problematic contracting practices when interacting with healthcare providers. The bill specifically addresses issues such as 'tying' of services, which refers to situations where a provider's ability to offer certain services is contingent upon agreeing to unfavorable terms for other services. This practice can severely limit healthcare providers' autonomy and diminish the availability of services for vulnerable populations, particularly those with disabilities. The bill emphasizes the need for fair negotiating practices that do not compromise access to care.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB221 exists primarily due to the implications its provisions have on the dynamics between healthcare providers and payment organizations. Proponents argue that restricting unfair practices will restore balance and encourage a larger number of providers to offer services, ultimately benefiting patients. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about how enforcement of these provisions might impact the operational aspects of provider organizations, suggesting that there could be unintended consequences on service availability or reimbursement rates. Seeing that the bill addresses deep-seated issues within the Medicaid system, it highlights the need for continuous dialogue about reforming healthcare access.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1310

To Amend The Medicaid Provider-led Organized Care Act; And To Amend The Laws Concerning Risk-based Provider Organizations.

AR HB1272

To Amend The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; And To Prohibit A Healthcare Insurer From Leasing A Healthcare Contract Or Provider Network.

AR SB142

To Amend The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; And To Regulate Network Leasing Under The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act.

AR HB1553

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.

AR HB1271

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR SB587

To Prohibit Public Entities From Contracting With Companies That Benefit From Uyghur Forced Labor; And To Require A Certification In Public Contracts.

AR HB1620

To Create The Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act; To Prohibit Financial Institutions From Using Certain Discriminatory Practices; And To Provide For Enforcement Of Violations.

AR SB181

To Mandate Coverage For Use Of Intravenous Immunoglobulin To Treat Certain Pediatric Disorders Caused By Infections; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB143

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR HB1570

To Amend "quincy's Law" Concerning Testing In Certain Investigations Under The Child Maltreatment Act; To Amend The Law Regarding The Right To Medical Records Under The Child Maltreatment Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.