The proposed bill, titled the "Rural Emergency Hospital Act," aims to establish a licensure framework for rural emergency hospitals in Arkansas, authorized by the Department of Health. The act emphasizes the importance of providing and regulating healthcare services in rural areas to enhance access and quality of care for residents. It outlines the criteria for a facility to be designated as a rural emergency hospital, including the requirement to provide 24/7 emergency services, maintain a transfer agreement with a trauma center, and meet additional standards set by the Department of Health. The act also stipulates that rural emergency hospitals will be eligible for federal healthcare reimbursement, which is intended to improve the financial viability of these facilities.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the licensure application process, which requires healthcare facilities to submit a detailed action plan for initiating rural emergency services and a description of outpatient services they intend to provide. It establishes that rural emergency hospitals may not have inpatient beds unless they are licensed as skilled nursing facilities or provide behavioral health services. The act also mandates that health benefit plans cover services performed by rural emergency hospitals and ensures that the Arkansas Medicaid Program reimburses these hospitals at rates comparable to critical access hospitals. An emergency clause is included, highlighting the urgent need for this legislation to prevent the closure of rural hospitals in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1127 V2 - 2-1-2023 09:16 AM: 20-9-201, 20-9-214(b)
HB 1127: 20-9-201, 20-9-214(b)
Act 59: 20-9-201, 20-9-214(b)