Bill > HB1456

This bill restructures the State Kidney Disease Commission into an Advisory Council within the Department of Health, significantly modifying its composition, governance, and operational structure. The bill reduces the total number of members from ten to seven, with these members now to be appointed by the State Board of Health instead of the Governor, and shifts the commission's primary role from an independent body to an advisory group that consults with the Department of Health. The new advisory council will continue to focus on assisting people with kidney diseases, including administering financial assistance programs, developing eligibility rules, and cooperating with hospitals and kidney foundations. The council will still meet at least annually, with members serving without pay but eligible for expense reimbursement. The bill includes a transition provision that expires the current commission's terms and allows existing commission members to apply for positions on the new advisory council. Key changes also include modifying meeting frequency, reducing the number of required members from different professional backgrounds, and explicitly defining the advisory council's role as supportive to the Department of Health's kidney disease treatment efforts.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1456&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R