The proposed legislation aims to regulate step therapy and fail-first protocols specifically concerning noninvasive ventilators. It introduces a new subchapter, "Coverage for Noninvasive Ventilators," to the Arkansas Code, which defines key terms such as "enrollee," "health benefit plan," "healthcare insurer," "healthcare professional," and "healthcare service." The bill prohibits healthcare insurers from requiring step therapy or fail-first protocols for noninvasive ventilators if certain conditions are met, including the necessity for frequent servicing, clinical evidence suggesting alternative treatments may be less effective or harmful, and if the ventilator is deemed medically necessary by the FDA.

Additionally, the legislation mandates that Medicaid managed care organizations reimburse for noninvasive ventilators at a minimum of 100% of the Arkansas Medicaid Program's fee schedule. The bill also grants authority to the Insurance Commissioner, the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, and the State Board of Finance to develop rules for the implementation and administration of this subchapter, ensuring that it aligns with existing healthcare programs and regulations.