Arkansas Passes Bill to Benefit Brain Injury Survivors

Last week, Governor Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas signed HB 1583 into law, marking a major victory for individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABIs) in the state. Over the past few weeks, the Brain Injury Association of America, our Arkansas Affiliate, and dedicated advocates from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have worked tirelessly to secure legislative support for this critical bill.

“Passing HB1583 in Arkansas was a collaborative effort with input from many stakeholders,” said Laura Dina, the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Arkansas. “The bill passed the House and Senate with only one NAY vote and no one speaking against it. Everyone understood that HB1583 would benefit the state as a whole and that it was the right thing to do.”

HB 1583 establishes clear guidelines and requirements for insurance providers to ensure comprehensive coverage for medically necessary services for individuals with ABIs. The Act defines key terms, specifies covered services, mandates the use of qualified clinical peer reviewers, and introduces a process for expedited appeals of coverage denials. The overarching goal is to improve access to essential rehabilitation services while preventing undue financial burdens on patients and their families.

“For too long, those who have experienced a brain injury have been denied coverage for necessary treatments that will help them in their recovery,” said Rick Willis, president and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America. “This bill is a significant step forward in ensuring that brain injury survivors in Arkansas have access to the care that they need.”

We are thrilled to see the positive impact this new law will have on brain injury survivors, expanding access to essential care and services. This is a monumental step forward for brain injury advocacy in Arkansas!