AR HB1707

Changes the Office of Long-Term Care to a "department" and gives it primary jurisdiction to investigate all cases of suspected maltreatment of long-term care facility residents.

Requires the Adult Protective Services Unit to investigate adult maltreatment occurring outside long-term care facilities and cases where a family member is the suspected offender, regardless of facility residence.

Modifies investigation procedures to require investigators to interview maltreated persons alone and out of hearing of next of kin or other caregivers, with interpreter access if necessary.

Establishes a 60-day timeline for completing investigations and entering investigative determinations.

Declares an emergency effective date based on concerns that nursing home maltreatment findings were previously subject to challenge unless conducted in person, and that the department's adoption of nursing home investigation records was deemed out of compliance.