AR HB1127

Creates the "Rural Emergency Hospital Act" to establish a new category of healthcare facility licensure in Arkansas enabling hospitals to receive federal reimbursement as rural emergency hospitals.

Defines "rural emergency hospital" as a facility that operates a 24-hour emergency department staffed with a physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant, has a transfer agreement with a Level I or Level II trauma center, and provides emergency services and observation care.

Establishes eligibility requirements limiting rural emergency hospital licensure to facilities that were licensed critical access hospitals or general hospitals with no more than 50 beds in rural areas as of December 27, 2020.

Sets annual licensure fee of $500.00 for rural emergency hospitals and allows them to own inpatient beds only if operating a distinct skilled nursing facility or behavioral health services unit.

Requires private health benefit plans and Arkansas Medicaid to cover rural emergency hospital services at the same rates as general hospitals and critical access hospitals respectively, and declares an emergency effective upon gubernatorial approval or expiration of veto period.