HB1497 Summary

• Changes the official name of the Division of Mental Health Services within the Department of Human Services to the Division of Behavioral Health Services throughout Arkansas Code

• Updates all statutory references to the renamed division across 24 sections of Arkansas Code, including provisions related to child welfare oversight, mental health facilities, community mental health centers, and interstate compacts

• Maintains all existing powers, duties, and responsibilities of the division under its new name with no functional changes to operations or authority

• Directs the Arkansas Code Revision Commission to make any additional conforming name changes in the Arkansas Code necessary to implement the division name change

• Applies to all regulatory and administrative functions including adoption of standards, oversight of mental health facilities, administration of grants, and coordination with legislative committees