AR HB1384

Requires all Medicaid-funded in-home caregivers to submit to drug screening tests for illegal drugs through a program established by the Department of Human Services, with initial testing required on or after September 1, 2013.

Establishes random sampling requirements ensuring each caregiver is tested at least once every five years, with an exemption for caregivers tested by home health agencies within the previous five years.

Imposes a six-month employment ban on caregivers who refuse drug testing or test positive, with permanent disqualification from Medicaid-funded employment if they test positive on a subsequent voluntary test.

Requires state criminal background checks for all caregivers and applicants, plus federal background checks with fingerprints for those who have not resided continuously in Arkansas for the previous five years.

Prohibits employment of caregivers with convictions for felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, and requires caregivers to pay all fees associated with background checks.