TO REMOVE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FROM LICENSURE AS A PRIVATE CARE AGENCY.

House Bill 1439 removes the requirement for private care agencies in Arkansas to undergo a separate certification process by the Department of Human Services (DHS). This directly affects agencies that provide in-home personal and attendant care services, particularly those seeking reimbursement through the Arkansas Medicaid Program. The bill amends state law by removing the DHS certification from the definition of a "private care agency," while retaining the requirement for licensure by the Department of Health. It clarifies that DHS will continue to set specific participation requirements for agencies to be reimbursed by Medicaid.