Bill > SB120

This bill aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure quality standards for private care agencies serving vulnerable aging adults by establishing a comprehensive licensure process. The legislation requires all private care agencies to be licensed by the State Board of Health and mandates that employees, independent contractors, and agents undergo rigorous background checks, including federal criminal background checks, fingerprinting, and registry checks for child maltreatment, adult maltreatment, and sex offender registries. The bill introduces a new requirement for employees to complete 40 hours of training, with an exemption for those already providing services before January 1, 2026. Additionally, the legislation establishes an annual licensure fee of $1,000 for private care agencies and requires agencies to maintain a primary location in Arkansas with sufficient regional offices. The bill also specifies requirements for qualified supervisors, such as being a licensed nurse or having completed two years of higher education, and allows for certain employment experience to substitute for educational requirements. The overall intent is to ensure that personal care service providers are adequately trained, properly vetted, and capable of meeting the needs of vulnerable aging adults while providing a standardized approach to licensing and oversight.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb120&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R