AR SB279

Expands the Alternative to Discipline Act to apply to all individuals licensed or certified by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, not just nurses, including non-nurse healthcare professionals.

Changes terminology throughout the statute from "nurses" to "individuals" and "participants" to reflect the broader applicability to non-nurse healthcare professionals.

Updates the program's purpose to serve "healthcare professionals" rather than just "nursing" to maintain consistency with the expanded scope.

Maintains existing program structure requiring participants to complete board-approved evaluations, place licenses on inactive status during treatment, comply with treatment agreements, and pay all treatment costs.

Preserves confidentiality protections for participant records while allowing access to the board, staff, employers, healthcare providers, education programs, and other states' nursing boards.