The bill aims to eliminate the certification process currently required by the Department of Human Services for private care agencies in Arkansas. It amends existing laws to allow private care agencies to be licensed by the Department of Health instead. The changes include defining a private care agency as one that is "licensed by the Department of Health as a private care agency" rather than being "certified by the Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance." Additionally, the bill specifies that these agencies can provide in-home personal care services around the clock and outlines the requirements for Medicaid reimbursement.

Furthermore, the bill removes the requirement for private care agencies to maintain a sufficient number of regional offices, allowing them to focus on maintaining a primary location in Arkansas to meet administrative needs. This legislative change is intended to streamline the licensure process for private care agencies, potentially increasing the availability of personal care services for eligible recipients in the state.

Statutes affected:
HB 1439: 20-10-2301(b), 20-10-2302, 20-10-2304(c)