CONCERNING THE ANY WILLING PROVIDER LAWS; AND TO AMEND THE PATIENT PROTECTION ACT OF 1995.

HB 1587 amends Arkansas' Patient Protection Act of 1995 and "any willing provider" laws to clarify which licensed healthcare providers qualify under these statutes. It expands the official list of covered providers to include specific professions like durable medical equipment providers and adds a mechanism for the State Insurance Department to later include additional healthcare practitioners through administrative rules. This bill directly affects licensed healthcare professionals and facilities in Arkansas who participate in state-regulated healthcare programs. The key change is creating a more detailed, inclusive definition of "healthcare provider" for legal and regulatory purposes, without altering existing program requirements or funding.