Panel OKs bill letting licensed skilled home‑health providers serve beyond 50‑mile radius with industry concerns

Senators approved HB 1687 after proponents said the bill removes arbitrary geographic barriers to skilled home‑health services and opponents warned it could undermine permit‑of‑approval processes designed to protect patient care.

Casey Castleberry, speaking for Genesis Partners, said the bill lets an existing licensed skilled home‑health provider deliver services anywhere in the state provided the licensee maintains a physical location within 100 miles of the service site. "It increases competition, and would provide greater access to health care and home health care services throughout the state," Castleberry said.

Charlie Martin, executive director of the Home Care Association of Arkansas, testified in opposition. He said the permit‑of‑approval (CON) process and the 50‑mile radius are structured to preserve patient care, plan capacity and local oversight. "Free markets in home health care... led to a ton of agencies that showed up all over the place, caused some problems for the health care industry," Martin said, arguing the rule protects patients and local systems.

Committee members questioned whether hospice transitions and other regulatory details were considered; the sponsor said hospice was not discussed in drafting and such issues could be addressed separately. The sponsor closed and asked for a favorable vote; the committee passed the bill by voice vote.

The committee record shows the core tension between expanded access and concerns about permitting, market entry and continuity of care. The bill advances to the next stage with the committee’s approval.