AR HB1498

Amends Arkansas Code § 20-10-1209 to clarify that residents injured by deprivation or infringement of rights at long-term care facilities may bring civil actions under § 16-114-201 et seq. against responsible licensees

Allows actions to be brought by the resident, guardian, or personal representative of a deceased resident's estate in any court of competent jurisdiction where the injury occurred or licensee is located

Eliminates separate awards of attorney's fees by the court in civil enforcement actions

Clarifies that licensees are not liable for medical negligence of physicians rendering care, except for services of the required medical director

Specifies that punitive damages may be awarded only for conduct that is willful, wanton, gross, flagrant, reckless, or consciously indifferent to resident rights, and that rights deprivations may be used as evidence of negligence