2020 Arkansas Code
Title 20 - Public Health and Welfare
Subtitle 2 - Health and Safety
Chapter 15 - Disease and Disease Prevention Generally
Subchapter 19 - Arkansas Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative Act
§ 20-15-1905. Initiative requirements

The Arkansas Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative funded under this subchapter shall:

1. (1) Provide screenings and diagnostic tests for colorectal cancer to individuals who are:

   1. (A) Forty-five (45) years of age or older; or

   2. (B) Under forty-five (45) years of age and at high risk for colorectal cancer;

2. (2) Provide appropriate case management and referrals for medical treatment of individuals screened under the initiative created in this subchapter;

3. (3) Directly or through coordination or an arrangement with healthcare providers or programs ensure the full continuum of follow-up and cancer care for individuals screened in the initiative, including without limitation:

   1. (A) Appropriate follow-up for abnormal test results;

   2. (B) Diagnostic services;

   3. (C) Therapeutic services; and

   4. (D) Treatment of detected cancers and management of unanticipated medical complications;

4. (4) Carry out activities to improve the education, training, and skills of health professionals, including allied health professionals in the detection and control of colorectal cancer;

5. (5) Establish mechanisms to monitor the quality of screening and diagnostic follow-up procedures for colorectal cancer;

6. (6) Create and implement appropriate monitoring systems to monitor, including without limitation:

   1. (A) The number of facilities in the state that provide screening services in accordance with evidence-based screening guidelines and procedures;

   2. (B) Physicians, including family practitioners, gastroenterologists, and surgical endoscopists who perform colonoscopies in the state and the regions of the state in which the physicians practice;

   3. (C) Differences in cost across facilities as compared to Medicare payment for procedures; and

   4. (D) Available resources for follow-up diagnostics and treatment as needed;

7. (7) Develop and disseminate findings derived from the monitoring systems;

8. (8) Develop and disseminate public information and education programs for the detection and control of colorectal cancer and for promoting the benefits of receiving screenings for the public and for healthcare professions, to include without limitation education concerning:

   1. (A) High-risk populations;

   2. (B) Target populations; and

   3. (C) The uninsured and underinsured;

9. (9) Develop provider-oriented programs to promote routine implementation of screening guidelines and patient-oriented programs to increase utilization of screening and diagnostic services; and

10. (10) Make records of initiative activities and expenditures available to the Department of Health.