The Arkansas Medicaid Program covers medically necessary parenteral and enteral nutrition therapy in a client's place of residence when prescribed by a physician and prior-authorized by the Utilization Review Section of the Division of Medical Services (DMS). A PCP referral is required unless the client is exempt from PCP requirements due to category of eligibility.

DMS defines “place of residence” as the client's dwelling, an apartment, relation's home or boarding house. Arkansas Medicaid does not cover enteral nutrition therapy for patients residing in a long term care facility, but does cover parenteral nutrition therapy. A period of hospitalization is required to initiate parenteral or enteral nutrition in order to train the patient in catheter care, solution preparation and infusion technique. Medicaid covers enteral nutrition therapy only when it is the sole source of nutrition. It is the responsibility of the client's attending physician to request hyperalimentation services and to provide the hyperalimentation provider with the information necessary to complete the Request for Prior Authorization and Prescription for Hyperalimentation. View or print form DMS-2615. This information includes the signed prescription for enteral therapy and the diagnosis and medical history confirming medical necessity. The prescription must specify the frequency and the anticipated duration of the service and whether the patient might progress from parenteral to enteral nutrition therapy. For additional information, contact the Division of Medical Services or the Medicaid provider who will furnish the hyperalimentation services.

View or print Division of Medical Services contact information.