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HB 1784

TO MODIFY THE INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Irvin and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1784 improves dispute resolution for long-term care facilities in Arkansas, ensuring fair hearings and timely decisions to enhance care quality and compliance.

Notification that HB1784 is now Act 864
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Bill Summary · HB 1784

Summary of House Bill 1784 (Act 864)

Bill Title: To Modify the Informal Dispute Resolution Process for Long-Term Care Facilities
Bill Number: HB 1784
Status: Enacted as Act 864
Introduced: March 13, 2025
Legislative Session: 95th General Assembly, Regular Session, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1784 aims to enhance the informal dispute resolution process for long-term care facilities in Arkansas. The bill seeks to ensure a fair and structured approach to resolving disputes related to deficiencies cited by the Department of Human Services (DHS) during inspections of these facilities.

Key Provisions

The bill modifies existing Arkansas Code sections 20-10-1907 to 20-10-1909, introducing several important changes:

  1. Order of Presentation:

    • The DHS will present initial arguments at the hearing, followed by the long-term care facility's arguments.
    • The impartial decision maker will oversee the sequence and timing of presentations and rebuttals.

  2. Hearing Conduct:

    • The rules of evidence will be relaxed, allowing the impartial decision maker to determine what information is material or immaterial to the case.
    • Hearings will not be recorded, but the decision maker may take notes.

  3. Participation:

    • Only specific individuals, such as employees of the long-term care facility and DHS, may participate in the hearings.
    • Parties may be represented by attorneys, and authorized individuals can pose questions during rebuttals.

  4. Decision Timeline:

    • The impartial decision maker must issue a written statement of findings within seven days of the hearing.
    • The DHS is required to provide a report detailing the hearing outcomes within 14 days.

  5. Quarterly Reporting:

    • The DHS will compile and distribute quarterly reports on the number of informal dispute resolutions, including outcomes favorable to both the state agency and the long-term care facilities.

  6. Final Determinations:

    • The state survey agency will review the impartial decision maker's findings and issue a determination document, which is not subject to appeal.

Impact

The modifications introduced by HB 1784 are expected to:
- Improve the clarity and fairness of the dispute resolution process for long-term care facilities.
- Provide a structured framework for addressing deficiencies, which may enhance compliance and quality of care in these facilities.
- Ensure that all parties involved in the dispute have a clear understanding of the process and outcomes.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 13, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • April 3, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted; rules suspended for further consideration.
  • April 10, 2025: Bill passed by the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 15, 2025: Bill correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1784 is now Act 864.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1784, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on long-term care facilities in Arkansas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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