This bill proposes a significant restructuring of the licensing and regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities by transferring oversight from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board to the Department of Human Services. It establishes new standards for these facilities, including the potential addition of up to 1,000 beds under specific criteria, and mandates that facilities must be accredited and comply with federal conditions by January 1, 2025. The bill also introduces new definitions and provisions related to long-term care, emphasizing the confidentiality of sensitive information regarding child care and outlining the licensure process, including application requirements and conditions for license issuance or revocation.

Additionally, the bill enhances regulations surrounding criminal background checks for employees and volunteers in psychiatric residential treatment facilities, specifying disqualifying offenses and the process for obtaining waivers under certain conditions. It revises definitions within the Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act and clarifies the licensing requirements for child welfare agencies, including the need for permits for capacity increases. Notably, the bill repeals Arkansas Code 9-28-416, which previously governed admission criteria for these facilities, indicating a shift in regulatory approach. Overall, the bill aims to improve safety and oversight in child welfare services by tightening regulations on information disclosure and personnel vetting.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1653 Original - 3-4-2025 09:31 AM: 20-8-107, 20-10-101(1), 20-10-101(9), 20-10-101, 20-10-110(a), 9-28-402(8), 9-28-402(12), 9-28-402(18), 9-28-402(22), 9-28-402, 9-28-403(a), 9-28-404(a), 9-28-407(a)
Old version HB1653 V2 - 3-5-2025 10:07 AM: 20-8-107, 20-10-101(1), 20-10-101(9), 20-10-101, 20-10-110(a), 9-28-402(8), 9-28-402(12), 9-28-402(18), 9-28-402(22), 9-28-402, 9-28-403(a), 9-28-404(a), 9-28-407(a)
Old version HB1653 V3 - 3-31-2025 01:35 PM: 20-8-107(c), 20-10-101(1), 20-10-101(9), 20-10-101, 20-10-110(a), 03-31-2025, 20-10-402, 20-10-203(b), 20-10-212, 20-10-301, 20-10-303, 20-10-403, 20-10-405(b), 20-10-405(a), 20-10-407, 20-10-404(a), 20-10-405, 20-10-407(a), 9-28-402(8), 9-28-402(12), 9-28-402(18), 9-28-402(22), 9-28-402, 9-28-403(a), 9-28-404(a), 9-28-407(a), 9-28-407(f), 9-28-416, 6-4-302
HB 1653: 20-8-107, 20-10-101(1), 20-10-101(9), 20-10-101, 20-10-110(a), 9-28-402(8), 9-28-402(12), 9-28-402(18), 9-28-402(22), 9-28-402, 9-28-403(a), 9-28-404(a), 9-28-407(a)