AR HB1626

Requires prior written consent from long-term care facility residents before photographing them, with consent obtained from the resident's guardian or legal representative if the resident lacks capacity.

Changes consent requirement from being obtained for each date photographs are taken to continuously effective unless rescinded in writing by the resident or their representative.

Establishes failure to obtain required consent as a Class B misdemeanor offense.

Permits photography without consent by licensed physicians and nurses for medical treatment purposes, by facility staff for social occasions, and by security cameras for safety or security purposes.

Allows photography without consent during Department of Human Services, Office of the Attorney General, or federal surveys and investigations, with photographs restricted to evidentiary use and not released to media or public.