§ 20-8-803 — Definitions

As used in this subchapter: (1) "Contract" means an agreement executed in compliance with this subchapter between a healthcare professional or a medical professional and the Department of Health or a governmental contractor; (2) "Governmental contractor" means the county health units, special purpose districts with healthcare responsibilities, a hospital owned and operated by a governmental entity, or any other healthcare entity designated by the department; (3) "Healthcare provider" means: (A) A free or charitable healthcare clinic qualified as exempt from federal income taxation; (B) A state or federally funded community health center; (C) A volunteer corporation or volunteer healthcare provider that delivers healthcare services to low-income patients; and (D) Other medical facilities with the primary purpose to deliver medical services or treatment to humans and that include an office maintained by a medical professional; (4) "Low-income patient" means a person who: (A) Is eligible for any category of the Arkansas Medicaid Program; or (B) Does not have health insurance and whose annual household income does not exceed three hundred percent (300%) of the federal poverty level; and (5) "Medical professional" means: (A) A physician, osteopathic physician, or optometric physician; (B) An osteopathic physician's assistant, physician's assistant, or optometric physician's assistant; (C) A chiropractic physician; (D) A podiatric physician; (E) A nurse licensed under § 17-87-101 et seq.; (F) A dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant; (G) A pharmacist; (H) An optometrist; (I) A therapist; (J) An addiction specialist; (K) A counselor; (L) A healthcare professional who is licensed, certified, or registered under Subtitle 3 of Title 17 of the Arkansas Code; (M) A dietitian or an individual who offers dietary services; and (N) A student enrolled in an accredited program that prepares the student for licensure in one (1) or more of the healthcare professions listed in subdivisions (5)(A)-(L) of this section.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 968,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Added by Act 2017, No. 958,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.