SB140
To Amend The Definition Of "healthcare Provider" Under The Patient Protection Act Of 1995; And To Modify The Definition Of "healthcare Provider" As Used Under The Any Willing Provider Laws.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Sine Die adjournment
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AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 140 amends the definition of "healthcare provider" within the Patient Protection Act of 1995 and the state's "any willing provider" laws. The primary purpose of the bill is to expand the list of recognized healthcare providers by adding certified orthotists to the statutory definitions. By including these professionals in the definition, the bill ensures that they are afforded the same regulatory protections and inclusion criteria as other listed healthcare practitioners. The bill updates both the Patient Protection Act and the corresponding section related to provider access under health insurance plans. This change is designed to standardize the recognition of this specific profession across the relevant sections of the Arkansas Code.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are certified orthotists practicing in Arkansas, who will now be explicitly recognized and included within the statutory definition of healthcare providers. This inclusion provides them with the legal protections and rights associated with being a recognized provider under the Patient Protection Act and any willing provider statutes, potentially improving their ability to participate in health insurance networks.
Who Might Suffer?
There are no significant groups expected to be negatively impacted by this legislation in a direct way. However, health insurance entities or networks could theoretically experience minor administrative changes or increased provider network obligations as they adjust their systems to account for the inclusion of certified orthotists in the provider definitions.
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