CMS is approving this time-limited state plan amendment to respond to the COVID-19 national emergency.  The purpose of this amendment is to authorize lump sum payments to State plan HCBS providers for services provided during the PHE, as described in Arkansas’ approved Section 9817 spending plan.

To include assurances that the state covers routine patient costs for items and services furnished in connection with participation by Medicaid beneficiaries, who receive benefits through the alternative benefit plan, in qualifying clinical trials.

This amendment proposes to add language that details adherence with mandatory coverage of routine patient cost for services furnished in connection with qualifying clinical trials.

To update the State Plan language regarding the guidance on in-patient delivery hospital stays, clarifying the authorization requirements for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries.

To update the State Plan language to comply with the amended section 1905(a)(30) of the Social Security Act, assuring coverage to eligible Medicaid participants for routine patient costs for otherwise covered items and services resulting from a qualifying clinical trial.

To add pharmacy interns to Other Practitioner Services, under section Pharmacists and Pharmacy Interns as Immunizers. Also, this SPA proposes to reimburse for Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) services for persons diagnosed with diabetes when such services are ordered by a physician, registered physician assistant, registered nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife and provided by a licensed, registered, or certified health care professional.

To revise and enhance Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services under the rehabilitative services benefit.