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HB 1053

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2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Alting and 4 co-sponsors

HB 1053 aimed to enhance prenatal care access by requiring Arkansas Medicaid to reimburse remote ultrasounds and fetal tests, benefiting patients unable to visit clinics.

Public Law 152
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1053

Summary of House Bill 1053

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1053
  • Title: To Require Reimbursement for Remote Ultrasound Procedures and Remote Fetal Nonstress Tests in the Arkansas Medicaid Program
  • Status: Withdrawn by Author
  • Introduced: November 25, 2024
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1053 aimed to amend the Arkansas Medicaid Program to require reimbursement for remote ultrasound procedures and remote fetal nonstress tests. The intent was to enhance access to prenatal care by allowing these procedures to be conducted remotely, thereby accommodating patients who may not be able to visit healthcare facilities in person.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Medicaid Program:

  1. Reimbursement Requirements:

    • The Arkansas Medicaid Program would reimburse for remote ultrasound procedures and remote fetal nonstress tests when performed using established Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.
    • Reimbursement would apply when the patient is located in a residence or other off-site location, provided that the same standard of care is met.

  2. Technology Standards:

    • The remote procedures must utilize digital technology that:
      • Collects and securely transmits medical data to a healthcare provider for interpretation.
      • Complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
      • Is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  3. Specific CPT Code:

    • Remote fetal nonstress tests would be reimbursed under CPT code 5905, similar to in-person tests, when conducted at home using FDA-approved remote monitoring solutions.

  4. Department of Human Services Responsibilities:

    • The Department of Human Services (DHS) would be required to:
      • Apply for any necessary federal waivers or Medicaid state plan amendments.
      • Adopt rules to implement the provisions of the bill.

  5. Rule Adoption Timeline:

    • The DHS was mandated to file final rules with the Secretary of State by January 1, 2026, or as soon as practicable after receiving necessary approvals.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1053 would have impacted:
- Patients: Increased access to prenatal care for individuals unable to attend in-person appointments.
- Healthcare Providers: Expanded opportunities for remote care delivery, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- Arkansas Medicaid Program: Adjustments to reimbursement processes and requirements for remote healthcare services.

Legislative Actions

  • February 18, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author.
  • January 13, 2025: The bill was read for the first time, rules were suspended, and it was referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
  • November 25, 2024: The bill was filed.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1053, highlighting its intended purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on the Arkansas Medicaid Program and its beneficiaries.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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