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, it requires that eligibility determination, approval, and authorization for these services be finalized within thirty days of the initial application. If a third party is contracted to conduct the independent assessment, they are also obligated to complete it within the same thirty-day period.

Additionally, the bill instructs 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.