TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF HEALTHCARE ACCESS; TO AMEND THE ASSESSMENT FEES ON HOSPITALS; AND TO CREATE THE HOSPITAL DIRECTED PAYMENT ASSESSMENT.

HB 1969 aimed to improve healthcare access in Arkansas by modifying how hospitals are assessed and reimbursed for Medicaid services. The bill proposed creating a "Graduate Medical Education Expansion Program" to fund eligible hospitals for new medical residency and fellowship positions, intending to increase the number of doctors in training. It also sought to establish a "Hospital Directed Payment Assessment" system, designed to maximize Medicaid reimbursement for hospitals, support their financial stability (especially in rural areas), and enhance patient care. This system would involve specific payments directed through managed care entities and updated definitions related to hospital cost reporting and Medicaid payment limits.