This bill appropriates funds for personal services and operational expenses for various licensing and regulation boards under the Department of Health for the fiscal year 2024-2025. It specifies funding allocations for boards such as the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques and the Arkansas State Medical Board, detailing amounts for salaries, personal services matching, and operational costs. The bill establishes maximum employee counts for each board and introduces new positions, including a Database Coordinator for the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy and additional administrative specialists for other boards. It also allocates funds for new initiatives, such as scholarships for pharmacy and psychology students, and investigative services for consumer complaints.
Furthermore, the bill allows the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, the State Medical Board, and the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine to collect annual contributions from licensed professionals to support 501(c)(3) foundations that assist healthcare professionals with substance abuse issues. The contributions will be $15 from each licensed dentist, $30 from each licensed physician, and $10 from each licensed podiatrist. Additionally, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing can request up to $100,000 annually to support its Student Loan Program. The bill includes compliance measures with fiscal control laws and an emergency clause for immediate effect on July 1, 2024, to ensure continuity in essential governmental programs.