Bill > SB507

This bill requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program to cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for specific beneficiaries with autism. Specifically, the bill mandates coverage for individuals over 21 years old who are participants in the Community and Employment Services Waiver and have received a medical necessity determination from a primary care physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The ABA services can be delivered on a one-to-one basis at home and in the community, and must be provided by a board-certified behavior analyst or a registered behavior technician working under a board-certified behavior analyst's supervision. The bill emphasizes that these services should not be limited to group or clinical settings and directs the Department of Human Services to seek any necessary federal waivers or Medicaid state plan amendments to implement the new coverage. Applied behavior analysis is a type of therapy typically used to help individuals with autism improve specific behaviors and skills through positive reinforcement and systematic interventions.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb507&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R