AR HB1810

Adds Arkansas Code 20-48-905 to establish mandatory annual inflationary adjustments to Medicaid reimbursement rates for small intermediate care facilities (those with fewer than 16 beds) serving individuals with developmental disabilities.

Requires the Department of Human Services to apply an inflationary adjustment on or before July 1 each year based on cost reports from the preceding calendar year and appropriate inflation indices, with the adjustment never to be zero percent.

Establishes that historical rate increases were not intended to be funded by or contingent on provider tax revenue, and that small facilities should receive equal treatment to larger facilities in rate adjustments.

Declares an emergency effective upon Governor's approval, citing the Department's discretionary denial of rate increases to small facilities since fiscal year 2015 as threatening continued service provision in community settings.