The proposed bill mandates that the Arkansas Medicaid Program provide coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services specifically for beneficiaries who are over the age of 21, diagnosed with autism, enrolled in the Community and Employment Services Waiver, and have received a medical necessity determination from a qualified healthcare provider. The bill outlines that these 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, rather than being confined to group or clinical environments.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that ABA services must be administered by a board-certified behavior analyst or a registered behavior technician under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst. To facilitate the implementation of this new coverage, the Department of Human Services is required to seek any necessary federal waivers or amendments to the Medicaid state plan. This legislation aims to enhance access to essential behavioral health services for eligible individuals within the Arkansas Medicaid Program.