AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1653

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1653

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  
Chaptered
4/16/25  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 1653 would directly affect the licensing framework for psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Arkansas, with the Department of Human Services becoming the primary regulatory body. The bill aims to facilitate the licensing of additional beds and improve access to mental health services for children who are not currently able to receive the necessary care. The immediate goal is to ensure that children have access to psychiatric services and that existing facilities meet specific operational standards, thereby addressing a significant gap in the mental health care system for minors in the state.

Summary

House Bill 1653 aims to transfer the licensing and regulation responsibilities of psychiatric residential treatment facilities from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board to the Department of Human Services. This change is intended to establish clearer standards and oversight for these facilities, which are crucial for providing mental health services to children. The bill emphasizes the need for emergency measures due to the high demand for psychiatric care facilities that currently lack appropriate licensing, thereby preventing admission for children in need of services. The approval process is designed to streamline the care and operational standards of these facilities significantly.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 1653 appears to be positive among those advocating for better mental health services for children. Proponents argue that the legislation will help alleviate a critical shortage of licensed psychiatric beds for children and establish more effective oversight of treatment facilities. However, some concerns have been raised about the transition and whether the regulatory change might lead to a temporary disruption in the services provided. The emphasis on emergency measures highlights the urgency of addressing children's mental health needs, which is likely to garner broad support across the legislature.

Contention

Despite the generally positive reception of HB 1653, there are areas of contention. Some stakeholders express concern over the adequacy of the Department of Human Services' capacity to effectively manage this significant regulatory shift. Issues such as ensuring that existing facilities maintain high standards and do not face undue delays in obtaining necessary certifications and permits could be a point of instability during the transition. Furthermore, the rapid establishment of standards may raise concerns about how these changes will be implemented in practice, particularly in ensuring that the quality of care is not compromised amidst the regulatory overhaul.

Latest HB1653 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1446

To Provide State Oversight Of Quality Of Care Provided To Children In Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities And Other Regulated Facilities.

AR SB309

To Clarify The Licensing Regulations Of Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities Under The Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act.

AR SB197

To Prohibit Certain Restrictions On The Regulation Of Short-term Rentals; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1614

To Establish The Water And Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program; To Transfer Funding From The Securities Reserve Fund; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1601

To Create A License For A Paid Canvasser; To Require The Secretary Of State To Promulgate Rules For A Training Program For Canvassers And For The Licensing Of Paid Canvassers; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1127

To Create The Rural Emergency Hospital Act; To Authorize The Licensure Of Rural Emergency Hospitals By The Department Of Health; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB356

To Abolish Inactive State Entities; To Amend The Law Concerning The Reporting Of Boards And Commissions; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB297

To Amend The Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1155

Concerning The Compliance Of Childcare Facilities With Local Regulations When Seeking Licensure Under The Childcare Facility Licensing Act.

AR SB354

To Transfer The Duties Of Certain Boards To The State Board Of Appraisers, Abstracters, And Home Inspectors; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

AR HB1446

To Provide State Oversight Of Quality Of Care Provided To Children In Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities And Other Regulated Facilities.

VT S0192

An act relating to civil commitment procedures at a secure residential recovery facility and a psychiatric residential treatment facility for youth and civil commitment procedures for individuals with an intellectual disability

CA AB137

Health omnibus trailer bill.

CA SB137

Health omnibus trailer bill.

TX SB1342

Relating to the regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities and Medicaid reimbursement for the provision of treatment by those facilities; requiring an occupational license.

TX SB1218

Relating to a voluntary quality standards certification process for certain private residential psychiatric treatment facilities that provide treatments and services to youth; imposing fees; authorizing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB3121

Relating to a voluntary quality standards certification process for certain private residential psychiatric treatment facilities that provide treatments and services to youth; imposing fees; authorizing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB5030

Relating to the provision of certain mental and behavioral health services under Medicaid, Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for those services, and the regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities; requiring an occupational license.