POLICY & ADVOCACY

As the state’s most trusted authority on health care, the AHA has a seat at the table for all major policy initiatives, with the goal of improving the system to enhance individual patient care and public health for Arkansans. Through the AHA, Arkansas hospitals present a united voice to lawmakers and regulatory agencies.

2022 Highlights

• Worked with the Department of Human Services to secure an additional $60M in state ARPA COVID relief funding, and supported hospital applications for additional state COVID relief funds.

• Raised awareness among legislators, community leaders, and other stakeholders regarding the financial crisis facing hospitals, calling for relief as well as more systemic change.

• Provided insight from the perspective of hospitals to DHS in the development of the Life360 HOME program.

• Donated state AHA PAC funds to Arkansas candidates who consistently support hospitals and their patients.

Advocating For You

• Monitors proposed federal and state laws and regulations, commenting during the rulemaking process with support and/or objections in the interest of our members and the patients they serve.

• Crafts legislation favorable to the patients of Arkansas.

• Intervenes in lawsuits to offer insight about the broad implications of court decisions on patients and the health care system.

• Maintains relationships with legislators, regulators, and their staff members, so that the hospital perspective is always foremost in their minds.

WHAT'S NEW? 340B IN THE COURTS

On June 15, 340B hospitals and their patients won a decisive victory in the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling said that the Department of Health and Human Services’ outpatient payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program were unlawful. The federal government will develop a plan to reimburse 340B hospitals affected by the unlawful cuts. The AHA will keep members informed on the process as it moves forward.

State Leadership Transitions

We will have a new governor with a new executive team! There are also many newcomers to the state legislature. It will be a key priority to build fruitful and productive relationships and to educate them on hospitals' unique set of challenges.

January

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March

2023