everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Republican Sponsorship
Healthcare

SB110

To Authorize Certified Nurse Aides Or Certified Nursing Assistants Who Provide In-home Services To Beneficiaries In The Arkansas Medicaid Program To Perform Additional Care And Duties.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 110 authorizes certified nurse aides (CNAs) and certified nursing assistants who provide in-home services to Arkansas Medicaid beneficiaries to perform additional care and duties. For these additional services to be authorized, the CNA must have received appropriate training for the specific task, and the Medicaid beneficiary or their representative must provide consent. This expansion of duties is strictly limited to in-home settings and does not apply to services provided in inpatient settings or skilled nursing facilities. The bill mandates that the Arkansas Department of Human Services must seek any necessary federal waivers or Medicaid state plan amendments required to implement these changes.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are Medicaid recipients receiving in-home care, who may gain increased access to necessary medical assistance or support services within their own homes. Additionally, certified nurse aides and assistants benefit from an expanded scope of practice, which may increase their utility and value to patients. In-home care providers and agencies may also benefit from the increased flexibility in service delivery and patient support.

Who Might Suffer?

While there are no direct negative impacts on specific groups, some might argue that the expansion of duties for CNAs could lead to concerns regarding medical oversight or the potential for tasks to be performed by individuals with less training than other specialized medical professionals. Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Human Services may face increased administrative burdens associated with applying for federal waivers and implementing the new policy.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us