HB1053
To Require Reimbursement For Remote Ultrasound Procedures And Remote Fetal Nonstress Tests In The Arkansas Medicaid Program.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to amend Arkansas law to require the Arkansas Medicaid Program to reimburse for remote ultrasound procedures and remote fetal nonstress tests. These remote services would be covered when performed in a patient's residence or other off-site location, provided the same standard of care is met as with in-person services. The bill specifies that reimbursement would apply to both fee-for-service and managed care plan categories within Medicaid. For reimbursement, the digital technology used must collect and securely transmit health data, comply with HIPAA, and be approved by the FDA. Specifically for remote fetal nonstress tests, they would be reimbursed using a designated Current Procedural Terminology code, with the place of service being the home. The Department of Human Services is tasked with obtaining necessary federal waivers and adopting rules to implement these provisions. The bill outlines a timeline for the adoption of these rules, aiming for final filing by January 1, 2026, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be pregnant individuals enrolled in the Arkansas Medicaid Program who reside in areas with limited access to in-person ultrasound and fetal nonstress testing services, or those who face challenges in traveling to healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers, particularly those offering telehealth or remote patient monitoring services, would also benefit from expanded reimbursement opportunities. Technology companies that provide FDA-approved digital health solutions for remote diagnostics could see increased demand and business.
Who Might Suffer?
Potential negative impacts are less direct and more speculative, as the bill aims to expand services. However, if the implementation of remote services leads to an unforeseen increase in overall program costs, this could indirectly impact taxpayers. There's also a potential, though not explicitly stated in the bill, that the standards for remote care might not fully replicate the nuances of in-person examinations for all patients, potentially leading to a different standard of care in some instances. The Department of Human Services might face administrative burdens in developing and implementing the necessary regulations and ensuring compliance with federal requirements.