AR SB609

Adds new Subchapter 11 to Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 48 to prevent duplication of costs and services in expanding Medicaid day habilitation services for children, including child health management services and developmental day treatment clinic services.

Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities Services approval before providers can apply for certification or licensure to operate new child health management services, developmental day treatment clinic services, or successor programs, except for existing programs.

Establishes county-wide underserved area determinations as prerequisite for expansion, with approval priority given first to existing providers in underserved counties, then other counties, then accredited entities, then out-of-state entities.

Clarifies that Arkansas Code §§ 20-48-101 and 20-48-105 regarding nonprofit community programs apply specifically to services for adults with developmental disabilities, replacing gender-specific language with "adults" terminology.

Declares an emergency effective immediately, citing overlap and inefficiencies between the two children's programs and necessity for managed expansion to ensure rural coverage and Medicaid program sustainability.