HB1171

House Bill 1171 amends the Medicaid Provider-Led Organized Care Act in Arkansas. The bill directs the Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement an abbreviated independent assessment process for certain Medicaid beneficiaries. This expedited process is specifically intended for individuals who have already been approved for services through a prior independent assessment and who have chronic, long-term conditions. It explicitly permits the use of methods such as a desk review for these beneficiaries enrolled in a risk-based provider organization. Furthermore, the bill mandates that DHS apply for any necessary federal waivers, state plan amendments, or other authorizations required to implement these changes.