The Arkansas Long-Term Care Facility Resident Monitoring and Communications Act aims to establish resident rights regarding electronic monitoring and communication within long-term care facilities. The bill mandates the Department of Human Services to create a comprehensive framework that supports the use of electronic monitoring systems while ensuring the safety and privacy of residents. Key provisions include allowing residents or their representatives to conduct authorized electronic monitoring, requiring consent from roommates in shared accommodations, and ensuring that monitoring devices comply with safety standards. The act emphasizes the importance of communication for residents' welfare and quality of life.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Human Services in developing this framework, which includes collaboration with other state agencies and consideration of existing laws in other states. The framework will address various issues such as privacy, consent, and liability, and will culminate in a report to the Senate and House Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor by July 1, 2026. This legislation seeks to balance the rights of residents with the responsibilities of care providers, ensuring a respectful and safe environment for individuals in long-term care settings.