Arkansas Senate Bill SB269

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/24/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Amend The Requirements Regarding Locations For And Geographic Areas Of A Hospice Agency.

Impact

With the passage of SB269, it is anticipated that hospice agencies will have increased flexibility in expanding their services, allowing them to reach more patients in a broader geographic area. The requirement for a primary or branch office within 100 miles aims to ensure that services remain manageable and that agencies maintain a level of oversight and quality control in their operations. This change could positively impact service delivery and availability of hospice care in regions previously underserved.

Summary

Senate Bill 269 aims to amend the requirements for hospice agencies concerning their locations and geographic areas of service. Specifically, the bill stipulates that licensed home health services and hospice agencies can expand their service areas if they have a primary or branch office within a 100-mile radius of the new service area. This amendment is designed to simplify the expansion process for these agencies, aligning it with current regulations and enabling better accessibility for patients requiring hospice services.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention regarding SB269 could arise from concerns about potential regulatory oversights. While the bill reduces bureaucratic hurdles by eliminating the need for additional permits for geographic expansion, critics may argue that this could lead to insufficient monitoring of service quality in newly expanded areas. Furthermore, there might be apprehensions regarding the ability of agencies to manage larger service areas effectively without compromising care standards, potentially impacting patient wellbeing.