The proposed bill mandates that independent assessments for beneficiaries in the Arkansas Medicaid Program seeking home- and community-based services must be completed within a specified timeframe. Specifically, the Arkansas Medicaid Program is required to ensure that eligibility determinations, approvals, and authorizations are finalized within thirty days of the initial application. If a third party is contracted to conduct the independent assessment, they too must complete their evaluation within the same thirty-day period.

Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Human Services to implement an abbreviated independent assessment process for beneficiaries who have previously been approved for such services. This may include a desk review for those already receiving home- and community-based services under the relevant federal waiver. The Department is also tasked with applying for any necessary federal waivers or amendments to the Medicaid state plan to facilitate the implementation of these provisions.