Arkansas Medicaid Reimbursement for Physical and Occupational Therapy in Clinic-Based Settings (Concerning 20 CAR pts. 631, 636, 656)

Statement of Necessity This rule implements Act 103 of 2025, which requires Arkansas Medicaid to cover rehabilitative physical therapy in a clinic setting. As stated in the Act, “[r]esearch has found that access to rehabilitative physical therapy in clinic-based settings leads to lower total costs of care over time, decreases the need for surgical interventions, and reduces the need for long-term use of opioids and other pain medications.” DHS conducted additional research into occupational therapy offerings and believes that expanding coverage for rehabilitative occupational and physical therapy in clinic- 37 based settings under the program will result in improved outcomes and potential cost savings for the Arkansas Medicaid Program.

A public hearing was held on this rule on March 25, 2026. The public comment period expired on April 12, 2026. The agency provided a public comment summary which, due to its length, can be found on the “docs” tab for this meeting.

• Rule packet: E.11.f DHS DMS Medicaid Reimbursement for PT and OT in Clinic Based Settings and Act 103 of 2025
• Public comments: E.11.f.PC DHS DMS Medicaid Reimbursement for PT and OT Public Comment Summary
• ALC summary agenda Jun 18, 2026
• ALC agenda Jun 18, 2026
• ALC meeting video Jun 18, 2026
• Arkansas Register, July 2026