AR SB134

Amends the hospital assessment fee calculation to cap the rate at one percent (1%) of net patient revenue and adds a constraint that assessment proceeds cannot exceed the indirect guarantee threshold set forth in 42 CFR § 433.68(f)(3)(i).

Authorizes the Division of Medical Services to adopt rules requiring hospitals to report net patient revenue and establishes enforcement mechanisms including letters of caution or sanctions.

Grants the division authority to file suit in court to collect up to double the amount of unpaid assessments or penalty assessments, plus court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees if Medicaid payment recoupment is insufficient.

Restructures the conditions under which the hospital assessment and related Medicaid access payments cease, eliminating the previous triggers related to General Revenue Fund appropriations and payment rate reductions while retaining provisions related to federal eligibility and administrative adjudication findings.

Adds a new cessation provision allowing the assessment to cease if determined to be an impermissible tax under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, with procedures for disbursing remaining moneys to hospitals based on federal matching availability.