Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 232 - Arkansas Minority Health Commission
Here’s a detailed overview of Agency 232 – Arkansas Minority Health Commission as codified in the Arkansas Administrative Code (Rule 232.00.18‑001):
🧭 Mission & Vision
Mission: Ensure all minority Arkansans have equal access to preventive health care and promote health while preventing conditions prevalent among minority populations. (regulations.justia.com)
Vision: Minority Arkansans and underserved communities enjoy equal opportunity and access to health, health care, and preventive well care. (regulations.justia.com)
🔧 Powers & Duties
Analyze disparities in health, healthcare, and access.
Coordinate statewide educational efforts to address these disparities.
Collaborate with state agencies—including the Departments of Health, Human Services, Environmental Quality, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Center for Health Improvement—to:
Recommend public policy changes to state leaders and the Legislature.
Promote healthy lifestyles and improved service delivery.
Study and recommend on service availability for minority health needs.
Conduct a comprehensive health disparities survey every five years and publish evidence-based data, set goals, and launch pilot programs.
Report biannually to the Arkansas House and Senate Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor. (regulations.justia.com)
👥 Membership Structure
Total Members: 12 members appointed under AR Code § 20‑2‑102:
6 statewide public members (1 from each of the 4 congressional districts, plus 2 at‑large) appointed by the Governor.
3 appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
3 appointed by the Speaker of the House.
Appointees must have experience in minority health issues. (regulations.justia.com)
Terms: Staggered two‑year appointments. Vacancies are filled by the original appointing authority. (law.cornell.edu)
📅 Meetings & Governance
Regular Meetings: Held quarterly—January, April, July, and October. Notices posted 10 days in advance on the state website. (regulations.justia.com)
Special Meetings: May be called by the Chair or majority; 2‑hour notice required via phone, mail, or email. Media must also be notified. (regulations.justia.com)
Executive Sessions: Permitted under Ark. Code Ann. § 25‑19‑106; quorum defined as a majority of members. (regulations.justia.com)
Compensation: No salary. Non-state‑employed members may receive travel/expense reimbursement as permitted by law. (regulations.justia.com)
🏛 Officers & Committees
Officers: Chair, Vice‑Chair, and Secretary, elected annually by members (every two years formally tied to fiscal year starting July 1). Officers can resign or be removed and are replaced according to bylaws.
Committees:
Executive Committee – operational oversight.
Legislative Committee – monitors relevant legislation.
Personnel & Contracts Committee – handles staffing and contract issues.
Meetings follow open‑meetings law (§ 25‑19‑106). (state.ar.us, regulations.justia.com)
📝 Rulemaking & Declaratory Orders
The Commission may amend its bylaws with a two‑thirds majority and must follow the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act (§ 25‑15‑203, § 25‑15‑204) and related executive orders. (regulations.justia.com)
Declaratory Orders: The Commission can issue opinions clarifying how its statutes or rules apply, initiated via petition to the Executive Director, and possibly involving a hearing per § 25‑15‑208, § 25‑15‑213. (regulations.justia.com)
📌 In Summary
The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is legislatively empowered to analyze health disparities, recommend policies, engage communities, and ensure transparent governance—with structured membership, regular meetings, and clear procedures for rulemaking and public engagement.
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