(a) As the single state agency for administration of the medical assistance programs established under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq., and Title XXI of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1397aa et seq., the Department of Human Services is authorized by federal law to utilize one (1) or more organizations for providing healthcare services to Medicaid beneficiary populations.

(b) The purpose of this subchapter is to establish a Medicaid provider-led organized care system that administers and delivers healthcare services for a member of an enrollable Medicaid beneficiary population in return for payment.

(c) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Medicaid provider-led organized care system created by the department shall:

(1) Improve the experience of health care, including without limitation quality of care, access to care, and reliability of care, for enrollable Medicaid beneficiary populations;

(2) Enhance the performance of the broader healthcare system leading to improved overall population health;

(3) Slow or reverse spending growth for enrollable Medicaid beneficiary populations and for covered services while maintaining quality of care and access to care;

(4) Further the objectives of Arkansas payment reforms and the state's ongoing commitment to innovation;

(5) Discourage excessive use of services;

(6) Reduce waste, fraud, and abuse;

(7) Encourage the most efficient use of taxpayer funds; and

(8) Operate under federal guidelines for patient rights.