Arkansas House Bill HB1653

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/1/25
• Engrossed: 4/2/25
• Refer: 4/2/25
• Report Pass: 4/7/25
• Enrolled: 4/10/25

Caption

To Set Standards For Licensing And Regulation Of Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

One of the key impacts of HB 1653 is the reallocation of regulatory authority to the DHS, which is expected to enhance the oversight of psychiatric treatment facilities. Under the new regulations, these facilities must meet specific standards, submit detailed applications, and undergo thorough reviews and inspections by the DHS. The bill also suggests a cap of up to 1,000 additional beds that can be permitted for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, addressing the urgent need for increased capacity in mental health care for children.

Summary

House Bill 1653 aims to transfer the licensing and regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board to the Department of Human Services (DHS). This change comes as part of a broader effort to establish clearer standards for the operation of these facilities, ensuring they meet essential health, safety, and treatment standards essential for caring for children with mental health needs. The bill seeks to streamline the licensure process while also expanding the number of beds available in these facilities to better serve Arkansas children in need of residential treatment.

Contention

The legislative discussions surrounding HB 1653 point to concerns over potential gaps in oversight and standards, as stakeholders debate the implications of moving authority from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board to the DHS. While proponents argue that this will lead to a more streamlined process with modernized guidelines, critics fear that the reduced emphasis on child welfare might compromise the quality of care provided in these facilities. Issues of transparency and accountability in the licensing process are significant points of debate among legislators and advocacy groups.