Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 232 - Arkansas Minority Health Commission
Arkansas Administrative Code — Agency 232: Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC)
Overview
Agency 232 establishes the Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC), a state agency responsible for promoting health equity and addressing health disparities among minority populations in Arkansas. The Commission coordinates efforts, provides recommendations, and monitors access to health services for minorities.
Mission & Purpose
The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is tasked with:
Ensuring equitable access to health care for minority populations.
Promoting disease prevention and health education for minorities.
Acting as the central state agency for monitoring health disparities.
Coordinating educational campaigns and awareness programs statewide.
Collecting and analyzing data on racial and ethnic health disparities.
Developing goals, objectives, and pilot programs to reduce disparities.
Reporting findings and recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and relevant state agencies.
Conducting a comprehensive survey of racial and ethnic health disparities at least every five years.
Submitting biannual reports to the House and Senate Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
Powers & Duties
The Commission can:
Analyze disparities in health services and outcomes for minority populations.
Coordinate statewide educational events and public awareness campaigns.
Collaborate with other state agencies, universities, and health organizations.
Publish evidence-based data and support pilot projects to reduce disparities.
Submit reports to the Governor and Legislature with findings and recommendations.
Membership
The Commission is composed of 12 members:
6 appointed by the Governor, representing the state’s four congressional districts.
3 appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
3 appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Requirements:
Members must have experience or active participation in minority health issues.
Terms are staggered two-year terms.
Vacancies are filled by the respective appointing authority.
Meetings & Operations
Regular meetings are held at least quarterly.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or majority of members.
A quorum is a majority of members present.
Decisions are made by majority vote unless otherwise stated.
Members are not paid but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.
The Commission can create standing committees (e.g., Executive, Legislative, Personnel & Contracts).
Officers & Administration
Officers include Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary, elected annually.
A Director manages day-to-day operations and prepares meeting agendas.
The Commission may adopt or amend bylaws by a two-thirds vote.
Rulemaking & Orders
The Commission may adopt, amend, or repeal bylaws following procedural rules.
It can issue declaratory orders to clarify its statutes or rules when requested.
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