This bill mandates the Arkansas Department of Human Services to seek a waiver from the Arkansas Medicaid Program to provide coverage for inpatient treatment services for substance use disorders. The legislation recognizes substance use disorder as a significant public health issue and emphasizes the importance of inpatient treatment as part of comprehensive care. It highlights that current funding primarily comes from federal block grants and suggests that expanding Medicaid coverage could enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes.

To implement this, the Department is required to develop and submit a waiver application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which would allow for coverage of inpatient treatment in facilities classified as institutions for mental diseases. The application must also aim to expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, improve care coordination, and develop intensive outpatient services to reduce the need for inpatient care. Additionally, the Department must consult with relevant stakeholders during the waiver application process and provide annual reports to the General Assembly on the waiver's status and implementation progress.