AR HB1653

Transfers licensing and regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs) from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board to the Department of Human Services Office of Long-Term Care

Authorizes up to 900 additional beds for PRTFs by allowing beds that were licensed by the Child Welfare Agency Review Board or fully constructed as of January 1, 2025, to be added to permitted bed capacity

Requires PRTFs to obtain both a permit from the Health Services Permit Agency and a license from the Office of Long-Term Care, with prior approval needed for new construction or renovations exceeding $250,000

Restricts PRTF admissions to Arkansas residents, children of Arkansas residents, children placed by other states' child welfare agencies, children paid for by other states' Medicaid programs, military family children, or nonresident human trafficking victims

Declares an emergency due to permitted but unlicensed beds that cannot currently be used for children needing psychiatric residential treatment services