Bill > HB1586

This bill amends the Arkansas Medicaid Waiver for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by clarifying the diagnostic requirements for identifying ASD. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing language to require that an ASD diagnosis must be made by at least two qualified professionals who are from different professional types (as listed in another section of the law). These professionals must independently conclude that the child fully meets the diagnostic criteria outlined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The key change is removing the word "both" and inserting language that emphasizes the professionals must be from different types, which suggests the intent is to ensure a more comprehensive and diverse professional assessment when diagnosing autism spectrum disorder for Medicaid waiver purposes.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1586&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R