This bill mandates the Arkansas Department of Human Services to seek a waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to expand coverage for inpatient treatment services for substance use disorders under the Arkansas Medicaid Program. 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 outlines the necessity for the waiver to allow coverage for treatment in facilities classified as institutions for mental diseases, 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 bill requires the Department of Human Services to consult with relevant stakeholders, including treatment providers and advocacy groups, while developing the waiver application. It also mandates the implementation of expanded services as approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and requires the Department to report annually to the General Assembly on the waiver application status, implementation progress, and outcomes of the expanded coverage.