This bill mandates that the Arkansas Medicaid Program provide coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services specifically for beneficiaries who are over 21 years of age, diagnosed with autism, participating in the Community and Employment Services Waiver, and have received a medical necessity determination from a qualified healthcare provider. The bill introduces a new section, 20-77-154, to the Arkansas Code, detailing the criteria and requirements for the provision of these services.

The ABA services must be tailored to the individual needs of the beneficiaries and can be delivered in various settings, including one-on-one sessions at home and in the community. These services are to be provided by certified professionals, ensuring that they are not limited to traditional group or clinical environments. Additionally, the Department of Human Services is tasked with seeking any necessary federal waivers or amendments to implement this coverage effectively.