Arkansas News

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Governor Hutchinson Announces CMS Approval of Additional Pay For Eligible LTSS Direct Care Workers Due to COVID-19 Emergency

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LITTLE ROCK – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Arkansas’s request to use Medicaid funds to temporarily increase the weekly income of long-term services and supports (LTSS) direct-care workers during the COVID-19 public health emergency, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at a news conference today.

On April 8, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) submitted an emergency state plan amendment and two “Appendix K” amendments to cover services provided under the State Plan and agencies in non-institutional settings for people who get care in their homes and communities. With approval from CMS, DHS will be able to make payments retroactive to April 5, 2020.

“CMS’s approval of this request is welcome news for LTSS direct-care workers, who are working long hours to see that our most vulnerable Arkansans are well-cared for during this public health emergency,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “Not only will these funds help ensure continuity of care, the extra pay will alleviate some of the financial stress for the caregivers, who are selflessly serving in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in private homes at increased risk to their own health.”

The additional care continuity pay will go to eligible non-physician direct-care workers employed by or contracted with institutional setting providers, such as nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and assisted living facilities; and agencies in non-institutional settings for people who receive care in their homes and communities. Eligible workers include those who are continuing to provide face-to-face services to this population and include:

  • Registered Nurses

  • Licensed practical nurses

  • Certified nurse aides

  • Personal care aides assisting with activities of daily living under the supervision of a nurse or therapist

  • Home health aides assisting with activities of daily living under the supervision of a nurse or therapist

  • Nursing assistive personnel

  • Direct care workers providing services under home and community-based waiver

  • Intermediate Care Facility direct care staff including those that work for a state-run Human Development Center

  • Assisted Living direct care staff members

  • Hospice service direct care workers

  • Respiratory therapists

The weekly care continuity initiative payments are available to direct care workers as follows:

  • A) work 20-39 hours per week--$125.00

  • B) work 40+ hours per week--$250.00

  • C) work a regularly planned split shift schedule that overlap weeks that equal or exceed 150 hours per month, not including overtime--$250.00/week

If a client has tested positive for COVID-19, the direct care workers in that facility or home and community-based setting, will receive an enhanced payment as follows:

  • A) work 1-19 hours per week--$125.00

  • B) work 20-39 hours per week--$250.00

  • C) work 40+ hours per week--$500.00

  • D) work a regularly planned split shift schedule that overlap weeks that equal or exceed 150 hours per month, not including overtime--$500.00/week

The payments will be made to a facility or agency providers over a period of eight (8) weeks beginning the week of April 5, 2020 and ending May 30, 2020. The providers will pass the full net value (gross amount minus applicable taxes) of the payments to the eligible direct care workers.

The payments will be available to Medicaid-enrolled providers who employ or contract with LTSS direct care workers. This includes nursing homes, ARChoices providers, Personal Care providers, Area Agencies on Aging, Assisted Living Facilities, Hospice providers, CES waiver providers for supported living services, and agencies in non-institutional settings for people who get care in their homes and communities.

“Medicaid is the largest payer source of LTSS, which is why this sector was the focus of this particular part of the waiver,” said DHS Secretary Cindy Gillespie. “In other sectors, especially hospitals and hospital-based providers, Medicaid generally represents the smallest percentage of payment and federal legislation is providing significant targeted relief for hospitals."

Governor Hutchinson has also directed that DHS develop a similar care continuity payment package for non-physician direct care workers in hospital settings that can be presented to the state task force overseeing COVID-19- specific funding that the still will receive.

DHS will send instructions to the providers on how to submit a claim on behalf of their eligible workers. DHS will update its providers as the situation evolves.

Governor’s Office Media Contact: Press Shop (press@governor.arkansas.gov)
DHS Media Contact: Amy Webb, Chief of Communications (Amy.Webb@dhs.arkansas.gov)

If you are not a member of the media and have questions or concerns about COVID-19, you can contact the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-800-803-7847 or visit ar.gov/covid.

COVID-19 Information for Arkansas

Updates from Governor Hutchinson Our state agencies are developing guidance and resources for Arkansans to stay healthy and make informed choices for themselves and their families. These agencies will continue to update their websites with the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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The 2020 Fiscal Session is now underway.

As we did in the recent special session, the House met at the Jack Stephens Arena at UALR to provide enough space for social distancing. We will continue to meet at that venue next week.

On the opening day of the session, the Governor told the General Assembly our state’s economy is not slowing down, but rather is on pause out of necessity.

The Governor is asking the General Assembly to cut $205 million from the previous balanced budget proposal presented before the pandemic. We intend to accomplish this while still fulfilling our obligations to education, public safety, and Medicaid.

While the legislature works on the state budget, we recognize many of you are struggling with your personal budget.

More than 132,000 unemployment claims have been processed in Arkansas. Arkansans who filed unemployment claims before March 28 should have received compensation by now. Those who filed before April 4 should receive payment this Monday.

Regular unemployment benefits now include an additional $600 weekly benefit payment for any workers eligible for state or federal unemployment insurance. There is no need to apply for this, these payments will automatically be issued, along with your regular UI benefit.

However, we know many other Arkansans are experiencing difficulty in processing claims and getting through the hotline. On Friday, the Joint Budget Committee passed an amendment for additional funding for extra help and overtime for the agency overseeing the unemployment hotline

If you are experiencing delays in filing your claim online or by phone, please understand that your claim will be processed and backdated. If eligible, you will receive your benefits based on your date of separation from your employment.

To assist the local Department of Workforce offices around the state with the massive volume of claims and questions, the Department of Commerce is utilizing almost 80 staff from the DWS central office and other Commerce staff and volunteers to answer the hotline calls and to file claims. They will continue to train available state employees. They are also evaluating the availability of an external call center. The external call center could provide a way for hours to be extended.

The website, www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov is available to process applications Sunday-Saturday from 6 am to 6 pm.
The hotline numbers 1-844-908-2178 or 501-534-6304 accept calls Monday – Friday, 8 am-3:30 pm.

ADWS EZARC - Welcome to EZARC

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 6:00AM - 6:00PMSaturday: 6:00AM - 6:00PMSunday: 6:00AM - 6:00PM This system is not compatible with mobile devices using older browsers. This site operates best with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher or Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher.

We have posted a link to frequently asked questions about unemployment on our website

The House will convene again on Wednesday at 11 am. Schedules and live stream information can also be found on our website.

Visit www.arkansashouse.org

Home - Arkansas House of Representatives

ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?

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Governor Hutchinson Creates Committee To Advise on State’s Post-Peak Response to COVID-19

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced the formation of the Governor’s Medical Advisory Committee for Post-Peak COVID-19 Response. The committee, established by Executive Order 20-17, will identify the criteria to guide public health strategy after Arkansas reaches the peak of COVID-19 cases.

The committee will examine testing capabilities and social distancing protocols and make any recommendations necessary to avoid a resurgence of COVID-19. Dr. Nathaniel Smith, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), will serve as the committee chairman.

Members of the Governor’s Medical Advisory Committee for Post-Peak COVID-19 Response are:

  • Dr. Nathaniel Smith – Secretary of ADH (Chair)

  • Dr. Jose Romero – ADH Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)/Arkansas Children’s Hospital

  • Dr. Naveen Patil – ADH Medical Director for Infectious Disease

  • Dr. Jennifer Dillaha – ADH State Epidemiologist

  • Dr. Austin Porter – ADH Deputy Chief Science Officer and Assistant Professor at the UAMS College of Public Health

  • Dr. Greg Bledsoe – Surgeon General of Arkansas

  • Dr. Jerrilyn Jones – ADH Medical Director for Preparedness and Response and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UAMS

  • Dr. Sam Greenfield – ADH Medical Director for Family Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAMS

The committee will provide its first briefing to the Governor later this week.

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Lt. Governor Griffin Says Abortion Clinics Should Follow Governor's Directive and Cease Procedures During Pandemic

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LITTLE ROCK – Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin issued the following statement regarding the noncompliance of abortion clinics with Governor Asa Hutchinson's directive to cease elective procedures during the public health crisis. Lt. Governor Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

"As I indicated at my press conference Wednesday, abortion clinics should cease procedures. I am pro-life, but abortion rights advocates describe the decision to abort as a 'choice.’ That, by definition, means we can all agree that abortion procedures are elective. Abortion procedures should not be occurring in Arkansas, and I applaud the Health Department's letter ordering them to cease and desist."

Transcript of the press conference on Wednesday, April 8, 2020:

Reporter: "In Texas they’re trying to outlaw abortions. ...The courts have said women’s rights, constitutional rights, can be suspended due to the emergency declaration. Do you think Arkansas should ban abortion during this public health emergency."

Griffin: "Well, the governor has already put out through the Department of Health some very specific guidance on what health care providers should and should not be doing, what they can be doing, in terms of elective surgeries, what’s essential, what’s non essential. That guidance was put out , I believe, last week and it specifically mentions in that guidance, abortion clinics. So I can’t speak for the governor but my understanding is, based on the guidance of the Department of Health, that the abortion clinics should not be operating under the current guidance."

Reporter: "And do you believe that’s how it should be?"

Griffin: "Sure, yes."

Additional information:

Cease and desist letter from the Arkansas Department of Health to abortion clinic.

Arkansas Department of Health Elective Procedures Directive (letter to healthcare facilities)

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Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The First Line of Defense Against COVID-19

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LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to talk about the professionals who are on the front lines at the hospitals and clinics all over Arkansas who are treating our COVID-19 patients and doing the critically important testing work.

These nurses, nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, and doctors are our first line of defense against COVID-19. They are putting their lives at risk in the same way that firefighters do when they run into a burning building. During this pandemic, these professionals have been reporting to work because they care for people and that is their life calling.

At least 158 health care providers have tested positive for COVID-19. We hope that they recover quickly.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that sets up in the lungs and requires the skills of a pulmonologist and a respiratory therapist if ventilator treatment is necessary.

A Little Rock registered respiratory therapist has described the effect of COVID-19 on the lungs as similar to the struggle to breathe if you climbed Mount Everest without oxygen.

The respiratory therapists measure, assess, and evaluate peak airway pressure, mean airway pressure, compliance, resistance, and monitor the pulmonary infection. The symptoms of COVID-19 are especially severe and hard to control.

While COVID-19 remains somewhat of a mystery killer, I am encouraged by the numbers we see at the present in Arkansas. We are seeing these positive signs because of the way Arkansans have adapted to the temporary limitations we have imposed on our daily lives.

The best way to help our front-line professionals is to continue to wash your hands, keep your distance, and stay at home if at all possible. If you have to get out, wear a mask to protect others. The more we practice these preventative measures, the sooner we will move past this pandemic.

Thanks to everyone who has risen to the challenge, from the people who are taking samples at drive-through testing sites in our clinics, to the professionals in the emergency rooms and intensive care units. Our prayers are with you.

I also wanted to mention the importance of this weekend since we celebrate both Passover and Easter. For me, Easter has always meant getting together for church and with family. This week, the First Lady and I will celebrate Easter away from the family and by watching the service on the Internet. It is important that we resist the temptation to get together because that risks the spread of the virus. Let’s get through this so that we will have many more Easters to celebrate in the future.

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Sevier & Howard Counties Cooperative Extension Services Still on the Job

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In Sevier and Howard County, the Cooperative Extension Service is still on the job
Fast Facts:
Agents with the Cooperative Extension Service continue to serve Arkansans during pandemic
Agents available through phone, email and Internet communication platforms
Many resources available online for farms, families and communities at www.uaex.edu and www.uaex.edu/covid19

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De Queen, Ark. — The Cooperative Extension Service has been serving the people of Arkansas, from agricultural communities in rural areas to school children in the cities, for more than 100 years, through good times and bad. Our current era, in which we all face serious health risks from the COVID-19 virus, is no different.
Minimizing the effects of this virus, which is unusually contagious and particularly lethal to members of our community who are elderly or immunosuppressed, depends largely on “social distancing” and otherwise limiting close contact. But that doesn’t mean we, as cooperative extension employees, aren’t still here to support our communities in all the ways we always have been.
Whether your needs are agricultural, financial, dietary or educational, our office staff are still here to offer the best in unbiased, research-based knowledge. We are still fundamentally engaged in supporting community and economic development, helping farmers make the best choices for their crops and helping families make the best use of their resources.
Our staff are as available and ready to work as they’ve always been. Our office is still open, just come to the side door and knock or call. While public health recommendations may limit in-person contact, we are also increasingly available through online venues, including webinars and internet-based teleconferencing. And of course, we’re still ready to answer questions and make recommendations by phone.
If you haven’t visited our website in a while, we recommend you take a look. Whether you need to locate your local agent, download one of our invaluable publications, or read the latest in agricultural reporting, www.uaex.edu is a vast resource for Arkansans. We also have a wealth of resources related to coping with COVID-19 at www.uaex.edu/covid19.
The bottom line is, we’re still on the job. And we want to help you be, too.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact the Sevier County Cooperative Extension Service office at (870) 584-3013 or Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517. Visit the website www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Protect you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak by practicing proper hand washing techniques. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

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Governor Hutchinson Delivers State of the State Address to the 92nd General Assembly

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“We will do all that is necessary to protect life and to come out of this pandemic with our face looking into the bright days of our future.”

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today delivered his State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor delivered the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House watched the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center. 

In his speech, the Governor addressed the importance of state resources to assist the people of Arkansas in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Governor also reaffirmed his belief in the historical resilience of Arkansans and committed to stand in the gap for Arkansans who have great need in this difficult time. 

“We have learned through this public health emergency about how fragile life can be, but we have also seen courage and compassion of Arkansans in action,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Our nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and EMTs are on the front lines, risking their lives every day. … We see neighbors checking on neighbors, making grocery runs for those who can’t leave their house. Truckers are driving long hours to ensure the supply chain isn’t broken. Others are providing meals on the road so cross-country drivers can have an option to eat. Cafeteria workers are making sandwiches for the kids who count on school meals, and bus drivers are taking the meals to them.

“We may make mistakes, but make no mistake – our eyes are fixed on our next opportunity, our next challenge, and our next future victories. We will do what Americans and Arkansans have always done. We will be strong, and we will prevail.”

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LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Wednesday (04.08.20) 1:30PM

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Governor Asa Hutchinson will deliver the State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session on Wednesday. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor will deliver the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House will watch the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center. (Press play button above.)

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Report: COVID-19’s Impact on Arkansas Economy includes Ag Labor, Supply Chain Disruptions

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As Arkansas grapples with the impacts of #COVID19, our Division of Agriculture economists are #StillOnTheJob breaking down how agriculture, government, and tourism are being affected in Arkansas throughout this crisis. The first impact report of our economy’s vital sectors has been released. Learn about the report: https://bit.ly/Ark-CV-Impact1. (Click on link below)

Report: COVID-19's impact on Arkansas economy includes ag labor, supply chain disruptions

April 7, 2020 By Mary HightowerU of A System Division of Agriculture Fast facts: Both functional food supply chains, Arkansas ag are essential to the state Risk, uncertainty in agriculture are greatly increased by COVID-19 CARES Act may give short-term relief amid losses of local tax revenue In a recession, consumers expected to migrate to less expensive proteins Crop outlook mixed Report available: https://www.uaex.edu/COVID-Ark-Economy (1,038 words)(Download this story in MS Word format here.)(Newsrooms: With additional accompanying graphics at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMrft75) FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.

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COVID-19: A Census Call to Action

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Virus reaffirms need for accurate and representative count in Arkansas

By Kara Wilkins

In the last few weeks, Americans have experienced unprecedented change in their daily lives. For some of us, this rapid shift in routine and lack of contact with our family, friends and colleagues has left us feeling discombobulated and, in certain cases, helpless. Many of us have expressed a desire to help those in need—even if it’s a small act from the comfort of our homes. During this time of anxiety for our state, and our nation, there is one thing we can all do to support our neighbors: complete the 2020 U.S. Census.

Right now, we are seeing our state grapple with the rapid spread of COVID-19. Under the strong leadership of Governor Asa Hutchinson and other elected officials, Arkansas has implemented extraordinary measures to help residents, companies, nonprofits and other organizations weather this national emergency. The state has expedited unemployment benefits, freed up working capital to provide small businesses with bridge loans and suspended SNAP work requirements to get food into the hands of the hungry. These actions, among the many others Arkansas has taken, will help many survive in a time of uncertainty. But they will require significant, and sustained, financial resources.

COVID-19 or not, Arkansas depends on funding from the federal government to succeed. That’s why participation in the U.S. Census is of upmost importance. The information gathered in the census determines the amount of funding we receive for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential services. Without these federal dollars, our state would not have the resources it needs to operate efficiently, in the height of crises or during times of normalcy. Even a one percent undercount of our state’s population, or approximately 30,000 people, could result in a loss of nearly $1 billion in funding.

To date, 140 million American households have received their first invitations in the mail to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. While we are all at home over the next few weeks, we should visit My2020Census.Gov to complete these forms. Once we’re done, I challenge all of us to tell 20 friends, family members and fellow Arkansans to do it, too. With only 10 questions, it is simple and quick. And, in a time when we’re all practicing social distancing, it requires no human-to-human interaction. In fact, as the U.S. Census Bureau recently noted, “It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.”

COVID-19 may have temporarily limited our abilities to go about our daily lives. But we cannot allow it to stunt our state’s participation in the 2020 U.S. Census. Now more than ever, this virus reminds us of how important it is to ensure an accurate and representative count. By answering a few simple questions, we can help Arkansas receive the federal funding it needs to thrive, now and in the future.

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces All Schools To Remain Closed for Remainder of Academic Year

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has extended the mandatory closure of all Arkansas public schools through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, he announced at a news conference today. Arkansas educators will continue to provide alternative methods of instruction (AMI) for students to continue learning at home.

“The continued spread of COVID-19 throughout the nation does not give me confidence that our educators, parents, and, most importantly, our students would be safe if schools were to resume on-site instruction in April,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Although on-site instruction has been discontinued until the 2020-2021 school year, it is critical that our students continue to learn at home.”

Governor Hutchinson made the decision to extend his directive for school closures in consultation with Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Secretary Johnny Key and on the recommendation of Dr. Nathaniel Smith, secretary of the Department of Health (ADH).

“ADE is working closely with Arkansas educators, including members of local school boards, administrators, and teachers, to ensure that school districts have adequate support to continue AMI delivery through the remainder of the school year,” Secretary Key said.

Arkansas PBS will continue to broadcast streamlined, curriculum-based programming for the state’s pre-K through 8th grade students in partnership with ADE Division of Elementary and Secondary Education through May 1, 2020. After May 1, districts using Arkansas AMI resources will continue to provide education through their local AMI plans until the end of the academic year.

School districts may continue child nutrition services through meal delivery or meals-to-go methods in congruence with the ADH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for precautionary measures, hand washing, and social distancing.

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LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Monday (04.06.20) 1:30PM

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Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, will provide an update to media this afternoon, Monday, April 6, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. Governor Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Monday afternoon, 04/06. Press play button above.

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