AR SB846

Establishes equal access to Medicaid congregate-setting personal care services for individuals with developmental disabilities living in group homes, community residential housing, and apartments operated by nonprofit community programs, matching services available to mentally ill persons in residential care facilities.

Defines "designated residential settings" to include group homes licensed by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services on or before July 1, 1995, community residential homes serving no more than four unrelated persons established after July 1, 1995, and apartment complexes for individuals with developmental disabilities established after July 1, 1995.

Requires the Department of Human Services to reimburse qualified nonprofit community programs using the same multihour daily service rate reimbursement methodology for personal care services in congregate settings as used for residential care facilities, subject to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval.

Excludes individuals with developmental disabilities residing in intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities or receiving services under waiver programs administered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services from Medicaid personal care service reimbursement under this section.

Directs the Department of Human Services to maintain Medicaid provider regulations for congregate-setting personal care services and make best efforts to obtain and maintain federal approval for the multihour daily service rate reimbursement methodology.