AR SB546

Requires the Department of Human Services to submit a state plan amendment to the Arkansas Medicaid Program by July 1, 2019, to cover opioid use-disorder treatment in eligible institutions for mental disease.

Limits coverage to individuals aged 21-64 years old for up to 30 days per year at institutions offering two or more forms of medication-assisted treatment.

Defines "institution for mental disease" as a hospital, nursing facility, or institution with more than 16 beds primarily providing diagnosis and treatment of mental diseases, excluding institutions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Coverage is authorized to begin October 1, 2019, or the earliest date approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Declares an emergency due to Arkansas's substance abuse epidemic, particularly regarding opioids, and makes the act immediately effective upon gubernatorial approval, expiration of veto period, or veto override.