HB1403
To Amend The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Act Of 2021 To Allow Nonhospital Entities To Be Community Bridge Organizations.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, House Bill 1403, proposes amendments to the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Act of 2021. Its primary purpose is to expand the types of organizations that can serve as "community bridge organizations." Currently, the Act primarily focuses on hospital-based entities. This legislation would allow nonhospital entities to also be designated as community bridge organizations. The bill amends sections of the Arkansas Code related to legislative intent and the administration of community bridge organizations. The legislative intent sections, which currently emphasize hospital-based organizations, would be updated to reflect the broader scope. The administration section would be modified to permit either a hospital or a nonhospital entity to administer these organizations, subject to conditions set by the Department of Human Services. Additionally, a new subdivision would be added to allow nonhospital entities to serve eligible individuals if they meet established criteria.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be nonhospital entities that aim to provide services related to maternal and infant health, as well as addressing health-related social needs in rural counties. This could include community-based health centers, non-profit organizations, social service agencies, or other local groups. Additionally, mothers and infants after birth, and residents of rural counties facing health disparities, could indirectly benefit from expanded access to services through a wider network of community bridge organizations.
Who Might Suffer?
Hospitals that currently operate as the sole providers of community bridge organizations under the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Act of 2021 might be negatively impacted. With the introduction of nonhospital entities, hospitals could face increased competition for funding, resources, and the opportunity to serve eligible individuals. This could potentially affect their established roles and the current structure of their service delivery within the program.