This bill amends existing Arkansas law to provide alternatives to the notarization requirement for requests related to adult and long-term care facility resident maltreatment registry checks, as well as child maltreatment registry checks. Specifically, it allows for a release with an electronic signature, in addition to the traditional signed and notarized release, to be accepted for screening employees, applicants, or volunteers. The amendments apply to various sections of the Arkansas Code, including provisions related to the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry and the Child Maltreatment Central Registry.

Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, highlighting the urgent need for healthcare providers and child welfare agencies to expedite the hiring process by eliminating the notarization requirement, which has been causing delays and hardships. The act is designed to ensure that the forms used for maltreatment registry checks can be completed with either a notarized signature or an electronic signature, thereby streamlining the process and facilitating quicker employment for necessary positions. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or under specified conditions if not vetoed.

Statutes affected:
SB 492: 12-12-1717(a), 12-18-909(g), 21-15-107(d)
Act 710: 12-12-1717(a), 12-18-909(g), 21-15-107(d)