The proposed bill amends section 36-3403 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to enhance the administration of behavioral health services. It modifies the language regarding the acceptance of gifts and grants, clarifying that these funds can be used to conduct programs aligned with the administration's objectives. Additionally, it updates the timeline for reporting on reimbursement rates, changing "within thirty days of setting the final capitation rate" to "within thirty days after setting the final capitation rate."

Furthermore, the bill mandates a comprehensive study of reimbursement rates to be conducted at least once every five years, with specific factors to be considered, such as inflation, workforce shortages, and the actual costs of delivering services. It requires the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Administration to deliver a complete study of behavioral health provider reimbursement rates by December 1, 2024, which will also assess the impact of fraudulent claims over the past five years. This adds a more detailed and structured approach to evaluating and adjusting reimbursement rates for behavioral health services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-3403