Primary care provider for Arkansas Medicaid Program — Physician assistant

(a) If authorized by a physician assistant's supervising physician, the Arkansas Medicaid Program shall recognize a physician assistant licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board as a primary care provider authorized to carry out the following duties of a primary care case manager:(1) Being recognized and serving as the initial healthcare provider in the program; and(2) Treating a patient within the scope of practice and licensure of a physician assistant under § 17-105-107.

(1) Being recognized and serving as the initial healthcare provider in the program; and

(2) Treating a patient within the scope of practice and licensure of a physician assistant under § 17-105-107.

(b) The program shall reimburse a physician assistant:(1) Not less than the current reimbursement rate for services performed within the scope of practice and licensure of the physician assistant; and(2) One hundred percent (100%) of the physician reimbursement rate for all out-of-pocket costs incurred by the physician assistant such as the costs of laboratory tests, X-rays, and any additional tests ordered or conducted by the physician assistant.

(1) Not less than the current reimbursement rate for services performed within the scope of practice and licensure of the physician assistant; and

(2) One hundred percent (100%) of the physician reimbursement rate for all out-of-pocket costs incurred by the physician assistant such as the costs of laboratory tests, X-rays, and any additional tests ordered or conducted by the physician assistant.

(c) A healthcare insurance policy in which the premiums are paid directly or indirectly by the program also shall recognize and reimburse a physician assistant under subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(d) This section does not increase the scope of practice or licensure of a physician assistant.

(e) When initially applying to the program to be recognized as a primary care provider and case manager under this section, a physician assistant shall provide a written authorization that is signed and dated by his or her supervising physician.