TO REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT FOR REMOTE ULTRASOUND PROCEDURES AND REMOTE FETAL NONSTRESS TESTS IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.

HB 1053 would have required Arkansas Medicaid to reimburse healthcare providers for remote ultrasound procedures and remote fetal nonstress tests (using FDA-approved digital tools) when performed outside a clinic but meeting standard care. It specified that these services must comply with HIPAA (as of January 1, 2025), use secure data transmission, and follow specific CPT coding (like 5905 for fetal tests). The bill applied to all Medicaid plans (fee-for-service and managed care) and directed the Department of Human Services to seek federal approvals and adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026. Note: The bill was withdrawn by its author on February 18, 2025, and did not become law.