TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO RECOGNIZE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT AS A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER.

SB 100 amends Arkansas Medicaid rules to allow physician assistants (PAs) to be recognized as primary care providers under the program, but only with written authorization from their supervising physician. This change requires PAs applying to be recognized as primary care providers to submit a signed, dated authorization from their supervising doctor. The bill directly affects PAs seeking Medicaid provider status and expands access to primary care for Medicaid patients in Arkansas. It does not automatically grant PA recognition but adds a specific authorization requirement to the application process.