AR SB577

Increases the minimum number of persons served under Arkansas's assisted living program from 1,000 to 1,550 persons at a time.

Amends Arkansas Code § 20-10-1704(g) to update the waiver application submission deadline from June 30, 2001 to May 1, 2019 and modifies the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services waiver request accordingly.

Adds a new statutory purpose to the Arkansas Assisted Living Act to ensure sustainability of the assisted living program and financial stability of facilities offering assisted living services.

Declares an emergency, finding that assisted living patients are not receiving care due to current enrollment limitations and that providers are unable to serve waiting patients without program expansion.

Makes the act effective immediately upon the Governor's approval, inaction, or veto override to provide certainty for assisted living providers and ensure Arkansas citizens have access to the program.