Jack Ladyman — Representative Jack Ladyman was asked to open the meeting with prayer, offered the opening prayer, and was thanked afterward.
Jack Ladyman — Recognized and indicated there would be discussion on the rule.
Jack Ladyman — Argued that the rule should include an exception for children who might have to go out of state for rehabilitation.
Jack Ladyman — Interjects that he may return to the queue and then comments on Children's Hospital's role in Medicaid payments.
Jack Ladyman — Representative Layman is thanked and affirmed for making a point that makes sense; the speaker says the explanation is clear and agrees with the rule or point being made.
Jack Ladyman — Recognized to ask about whether independence accounts have a cap.
Elizabeth Pittman — Elizabeth Pittman was identified as the presenter for the Department of Human Services rules and then introduced herself as the Director of the Division of Medical Services, indicating she was ready to present.
Steve Unger — Likely the intended reference is 'Representative Boardlaw'; this appears to be a transcription error, but the exact member is uncertain.
Jeremy Wooldridge — Jeremy Wooldridge was identified as the member asking a series of related questions about how the rule review process works when CMS has already approved a rule, and then followed up by asking about the difference between rehab services and acute services. A later reference tied his earlier comments to the same broader issue being discussed.
Jeremy Wooldridge — Representative Wooldridge questioned the rationale and practical impact of the proposed rule, asking whether the committee could receive the data showing it was necessary, and then following up on how medical necessity would be defined in practice and how the rule would affect billing or care pathways for acute-care rehabilitation and similar hospitals.
Bart Schulz — Representative Schultz asked for leeway to ask a couple of questions about the rule, focusing on how many patients it might impact and expressing concern that adolescents or children could be transferred out of state.
Ryan Rose — Representative Rose questioned the change in the review trigger from four to seven days, asking whether less frequent review could allow additional unnecessary or non-medically necessary days.
Jay Hill — Introduced himself as being with DHS, Division of Aging and Adult Services, and presented the PACE-related rule changes.
Ms. Franklin / Mary Franklin — The witness is invited to identify herself for the record and begins speaking.
Mary Franklin — Introduces herself as Director of the Division of County Operations for the Arkansas Department of Human Services and explains the rule.
Robin Lundstrum — Representative Rose questions whether the proposed rule is primarily meant to clarify ambiguity and ensure consistent, uniform treatment going forward, including whether it will standardize how similar cases and associated costs are handled across categories.
Ms. Pittman — Referenced as someone previously asked the same question about the rule.
Denise Ennett — Asks for an explanation of what an independence account is and how it works for people with disabilities.
Mark Perry — Representative Rose asks whether the rule is a response to CMS and whether there were public comments.
Mark Perry — Asks whether the hospital is in Searcy and whether other facilities could qualify.
Mark Perry — Asks whether other hospitals are planning similar units.
Mark Perry — Asks about controls or monitoring to keep the state share manageable if the program expands.
Mark Perry — Asks how the hospital-based treatment differs from a residential treatment facility.
Mark Perry — Her earlier point is referenced in the discussion of future facilities.
Paula Stone — Introduces the permanent rule for adolescent substance abuse units in hospitals.
Chuck Thompson — Identified himself as an attorney for the Arkansas Department of Health.
Shane David — Identified himself as being with the Department of Health.
Craig Smith — Identified himself as an attorney for the Department of Health.