Committee reviews rules on clinical‑trial services and declaratory orders; both marked reviewed

Elizabeth Pittman of the Division of Medical Services told the committee the rule before them implements a federal CMS mandate to cover services "incident to" clinical trials for Medicaid beneficiaries and clarifies current policy. "It's a mandate from the Centers for Medical Services, our federal partner, to cover, services incident to clinical trials," Pittman said. The committee had no questions and marked the rule as reviewed.

Laura Hsu, general counsel for the Department of Health, and Craig Smith, an attorney for the Department, presented a new rule required by Arkansas code as read aloud in the meeting (transcribed as "20 15 2 0 6") to set a process for members of the public to request declaratory orders about how a statute or rule may apply to a particular situation. Committee members asked no substantive questions and marked the rule reviewed without objection.

No formal votes were recorded on these reviews and the committee proceeded to adjournment.