AR HB1570

Allows alleged offenders accused of child abuse to request a second opinion examination by a licensed healthcare provider of their choosing who did not perform the initial examination and routinely treats pediatric patients, with costs paid by the alleged offender or covered by insurance or Medicaid.

Permits alleged offenders to request examinations to rule out differential diagnoses that may appear as abuse or increase misdiagnosis risk, including rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, and vitamin K deficiency, with costs paid by the alleged offender or covered by insurance or Medicaid.

Requires genetic testing requested under the bill to include a complete family medical history even if family members have not been diagnosed with a genetic condition.

Creates new statute 12-18-624 allowing courts to order healthcare institutions to provide medical records of alleged child victims to alleged offenders who are parents, putative parents, guardians, or custodians and have been accused of physical abuse, with courts able to issue protective orders restricting record dissemination and use.

Declares an emergency clause stating the act becomes effective upon gubernatorial approval, expiration of veto period, or veto override.