ARK LEG Crisis Stabilization Units Bill

Published on: Apr 23, 2025

On Apr. 16, ARK LEG enacted bill on crisis stabilization unit coverage.

  • ARK LEG enacted bill HB 1320, to amend ARK LEG 20-47-813, ARK INS 23-99-203, ARK INS 23-99-802, and adding ARK INS 23-99-19, Crisis stabilization units.
  • Enhances access to crisis stabilization units and regulates conduct for health insurers.
  • Bill Provisions
  • Health plans cannot impose stricter management/utilization controls on services at crisis stabilization units than those used by Medicaid, unless given explicit permission.
  • The definition of healthcare provider under the Patient protection act of 1995 and any willing provider laws are amended to add a provision for crisis stabilization units.
  • Health plans cannot require prior authorization for services at crisis stabilization units unless specifically required by rules that are set by the Insurance Commissioner.
  • Modifies the Department of Human Services' rulemaking authority, requiring rules limiting access to crisis stabilization units be developed with Insurance Commissioner.
  • Legislative History
  • On Jan. 30, 2025, bill was introduced in House; on Mar. 20, 2025, bill passed House.
  • On Mar. 20, 2025, bill was introduced in Senate; on Apr. 9, 2025, bill passed Senate.
  • On Apr. 16, 2025, bill was signed by the governor and HB 1320 was assigned Act 626.
  • Effectiveness
  • Act effective 91 days after legislature adjourned sine die (May 5), so Aug. 4, 2025.
Regulators
ARK LEG
Entity Types
CNSM; Ins
Reference
PR, Act 626, Bill, HB1320, 4/16/2025; Citation: ARK LEG 20-47-813; *ARK INS* 23-99, 23-99-203, 23-99-802;
Functions
Claims/Accelerated Benefits; Compliance; Financial; Legal; Underwriting
Countries
United States of America
Category
State
N/A
Products
Insurance; Insurance-Health
Rule Type
Final
Regions
Am
Rule Date
Apr 16, 2025
Effective Date
Aug 4, 2025
Rule ID
251463
Linked to
N/A
Reg. Last Update
Apr 16, 2025
Report Section
US Insurance