AR SB611

Creates the Acuity-Based Care Committee to study nurse staffing practices in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care facilities in Arkansas.

Committee comprises 19 members including legislators, state agency representatives, and stakeholders from nursing associations, healthcare organizations, and insurance companies.

Director of the Department of Health shall call the first meeting within 60 days and serve as chair until the committee elects permanent leadership from its membership.

Committee shall examine current nurse staffing protocols, study practices in other states, consult stakeholders, and develop best practices and recommended reforms regarding nurse staffing.

Committee must submit a final written report to the House and Senate Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor by March 1, 2022, and shall expire on that date.