The bill amends the Medicaid Fairness Act to enhance the appeals process for providers in the Arkansas Medicaid Program. Key provisions include extending the appeal period from thirty-five days to a minimum of sixty-five days, allowing providers more time to respond to adverse decisions. Additionally, the bill mandates that notices of adverse decisions must include comprehensive information, such as detailed explanations and citations to specific policies and procedures that informed the decision. This aims to improve transparency and efficiency in the appeals process, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on both providers and the Department of Human Services.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Human Services to publish and maintain all protocols, procedures, and requirements used in making adverse decisions on its website, ensuring that providers have access to both current and historical policy information. It also stipulates that any third-party entities involved in the Medicaid appeals process must comply with these new requirements. The Department is tasked with implementing these changes within ninety days of the bill's effective date and conducting periodic audits to ensure compliance.

Statutes affected:
SB 257: 20-77-1702, 20-77-1705, 20-77-1712