SB120

Senate Bill 120 establishes a formal state licensure requirement for private care agencies in Arkansas to improve consumer protection for vulnerable aging adults. The bill mandates that these agencies obtain certification from the Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance and maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance. It authorizes the State Board of Health to promulgate rules governing the operations of these agencies, including mandatory criminal background checks and registry checks for all employees and contractors. Furthermore, the bill requires these personnel to complete 40 hours of training. It sets an annual $1,000 licensure fee and establishes criteria for qualified supervisors, including education or experience requirements. The legislation also directs the Division of Medical Services to update the Medicaid Manual to include qualifying 24/7 private care agencies as eligible for reimbursement. Finally, it specifies that agencies must maintain a primary location within the state, while removing existing mandates for certain registered nurse visit frequencies and office distance limitations.