Missy Irvin — Senator Irvin was recognized to ask a question about whether option four could be split under the law.
Missy Irvin — Recognized for a question by the chair.
Missy Irvin — Senator Irvin spoke in discussion, supporting reporting and oversight and suggesting the issue be worked through in public health.
Matthew Shepherd — Senator Irvin referenced Representative Shepherd's earlier comments about the legislation's language.
Blake Johnson — Representative Johnson was recognized for a question and then began asking it, thanking the chair as the exchange moved into his inquiry.
Blake Johnson — Representative Johnson was recognized for questions and engaged in a continuous discussion about DHS rulemaking and dental coverage for adults with special needs. He asked whether DHS was seeking to avoid promulgating rules under several acts, including HB 967/Act 967, and whether waiver participants could already receive sedation dentistry through the PASS agreement. He then asked how many adults with special needs fall outside the waiver population and argued that the General Assembly intended to provide dental care for this group, suggesting a narrower reimbursement approach rather than a broad adult rate increase. Johnson also questioned the fiscal impact of raising adult rates from $500 to $1,000, asked when those costs would hit the budget, and noted that the legislature could decide in the next budget cycle whether to fund the increase without necessarily using the Medicaid set-aside. Later references simply pointed back to Johnson’s questions about Act 967 and Act 568.
Jonathan Dismang — Senator Dismang raises concerns about DHS and the committee’s handling of rulemaking after legislation has already passed, questioning whether it is appropriate to decline to run a rule or simply delay implementation. He references prior experience with delayed rulemaking, worries about discovering problems too late in the process, and asks whether the dates are merely being pushed back rather than the issue being resolved.
Jonathan Dismang — Jonathan Dismang was referenced as having previously raised a related concern, with the speaker noting that he had touched on the issue as well and that his comments aligned with concerns about the practical implications of the acts.
Tyler Dees — Announced that the committee would bring up the Dental Association and then DHS again after a break.
Tyler Dees — The chair is addressed while the speaker transitions to questions.
Tyler Dees — The chair recognizes the co-chair for a question.
Tyler Dees — Referenced as having discussed one of the options with stakeholders.
Tyler Dees — Asked for permission to let Trevor answer.
Billy Tarpley — Billy Tarpley, executive director of the Arkansas State Dental Association, introduces himself and explains the association's concerns about Act 1025 and dental fees. He notes that the roundtable request was made months before the legislative session, and the discussion continues with questions about whether the association disagrees with DHS's response, keeping the focus on the dental program and how to address the fee problem.
Trevor Hawkins — Trevor Hawkins is discussed as the attorney involved in preparing the referenced letter, then as the attorney being represented/connected in the same matter, and finally as the person requested to answer the question on behalf of the dental association.
Jaden Atkins — Attorney who helped prepare the letter referenced by Tarpley.
Dr. Ashley McMillan — Identified as being present from Lyon College of Dental Medicine and potentially able to answer the question about Act 967.
Dr. McMillan — Referenced as someone who may be able to answer the question about what is required in a dental clinic for sedation and general anesthesia.
general dentist — Mentioned as present in the audience and potentially able to answer questions about clinical requirements.
pediatric dentist — Mentioned as present in the audience and potentially able to answer questions about clinical requirements.
oral surgeons — Used as an example of providers who perform sedation and oral surgery, including wisdom tooth removal.
Mary Bentley — Representative Mayberry is referenced as having requested the DHS meeting and is then recognized to ask a question. He responds by saying that in passing the bill, the legislature made a promise to dentists, parents, patients, and people with special needs that their concerns would be heard.
Kim Hammer — Senator Hammer is recognized to ask a question and offers a layman's interpretation of the procedure, suggesting the rule should be written and submitted before concluding it cannot be done. He is then told that his interpretation is correct and on target.
Breanne Davis — Asked whether a waiver could have been started earlier and requested examples of what dentists had done in anticipation of the new rates.
Breanne Davis — Addressed by Senator Love in a question about rate reviews and DHS testimony.
Breanne Davis — Asked the witness to clarify whether there had been rate reviews during the 18-month period.
Breanne Davis — The witness responds directly to Senator Love's question about rate reviews.
Breanne Davis — The witness answers Senator Love's question about the requested actions under Act 1025.
Dr. Jerry Friend — Identified as a pediatric dentist in Conway who was seated in the audience and referenced as an example of the human impact of the issue.
Leslie Faulkner — Leslie Faulkner is called forward to testify and then introduces herself to the committee. She says she is a retired special education teacher, notes that her daughter Schuyler is with her, and explains that she now works with Beacon of Hope helping adults with complex disabilities find resources in Garland County.
Schuyler Faulkner — Identified as Leslie Faulkner's 23-year-old daughter.
Les Eaves — Representative Eaves was called on to ask a question of DHS.
Les Eaves — Representative Mayberry participated in a phone call with DHS and the Dental Association about breaking the provisions apart.
Les Eaves — Representative Gonzalez was invited to ask a question.
Les Eaves — Representative Gonzalez asked why the separation issue became option four instead of option one and questioned how the provisions were combined.
Stetson Painter — Representative Painter made a motion regarding DHS reporting requirements.
Courtney Sallis Ford — Introduces herself as representing the Department of Education Division of Higher Education and presents the report.
Mel Anderson — Introduced as Deputy Commissioner for Financial Regulation for the Arkansas Insurance Department.
Amanda Rose — Introduced as Associate Counsel for the Arkansas Insurance Department.
Chris Irwin — Chris Irwin, Chief Analyst for the Arkansas Insurance Department, is introduced and then explains that the item under discussion is an amendment to 23 CAR Part 9, formerly Rule 15, concerning the holding company system rule.
Chris Madison — Introduced as director of the State Board of Election Commissioners.
Jonathan Kendrick — Introduced as attorney for the State Board of Election Commissioners.
Michael Harry — Introduced as chief compliance officer and director of government affairs for the Treasurer of State.
Frances Cavenaugh — Representative Mayberry is part of the ongoing discussion about the dental provider proposal and option four. He asks for an update on option four and how quickly the pediatric portion could be implemented, and the exchange concludes with an invitation for him to return with additional questions if needed.
Terry Rice — Representative Wooten asks how long it has been since the dental group received an increase.
Terry Rice — The chair told Representative Wooden he would be returned to the queue.
Terry Rice — Addressed as someone experienced in the process.
Janet Mann — Identified herself as DHS Secretary and began the Department of Human Services presentation.
Elizabeth Pittman — Identified herself as Director for the Division of Medical Services.