The bill amends the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Act of 2021 to expand the definition of community bridge organizations to include nonhospital entities. Specifically, it removes the requirement for these organizations to be hospital-based, allowing for greater flexibility in the types of organizations that can participate in promoting health and welfare for mothers and infants, as well as addressing health-related social needs in rural counties.

Key amendments include the deletion of the term "hospital-based" from the legislative intent sections and the insertion of provisions that allow nonhospital entities to administer community bridge organizations. Additionally, the bill stipulates that nonhospital entities can serve eligible individuals if they meet criteria established by the Department of Human Services. This change aims to enhance the capacity of community bridge organizations to address health disparities and improve health outcomes in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
HB 1403: 23-61-1002(3), 23-61-1002(6), 23-61-1010(b)