The bill aims to remove the existing moratorium on the construction or addition of beds within psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Arkansas. It amends Arkansas Code 20-8-107(d) to allow these facilities to add new beds or expand their existing bed capacity, which was previously prohibited. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision that exempts psychiatric residential treatment facilities from the moratorium, stating that there will be no cap on the number of beds or bed capacity for these facilities.

Additionally, the bill includes temporary language that specifies the expiration of the moratorium on the construction or addition of beds within psychiatric residential treatment facilities, effective on the date the bill is enacted. This change is intended to address the growing need for mental health services by increasing the capacity of psychiatric residential treatment facilities in the state.

Statutes affected:
SB 312: 20-8-107(d)