The proposed bill aims to enhance state oversight of the quality of care provided to children in psychiatric residential treatment facilities and other regulated facilities in Arkansas. It introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code that specifies the criteria for admitting children to these facilities, ensuring that only Arkansas residents, children of Arkansas residents, and certain other specified children can be admitted. The Department of Human Services is granted the authority to promulgate rules to enforce these admission criteria and to establish minimum standards for the quality of care provided, which includes trauma-informed programming, family-driven services, and comprehensive discharge planning.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new subchapter that outlines the definitions and quality assurance measures for psychiatric residential treatment facilities. It mandates that the Department of Human Services conduct quality assurance reviews and inspections of these facilities, regardless of the residency status of the children they serve. The bill also provides the department with enforcement authority, allowing it to impose penalties for non-compliance with quality care standards, including civil penalties and corrective action plans. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that children receiving psychiatric care in Arkansas are provided with high-quality, regulated services.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1446 Original - 2-16-2023 10:54 AM: 9-28-402(12), 9-28-402(18), 9-28-407(a)