Implementation of psychiatric emergency services.
Ark. Code Ann. § 20-47-809
in effect(a)(1) To implement psychiatric emergency services under a crisis intervention protocol under this subchapter, a crisis stabilization unit shall request licensure from the Department of Human Services for the number of extended observation beds that are required to adequately serve the designated crisis stabilization unit catchment area.
(2) A license for the requested extended observation beds is required before the crisis stabilization unit may put the extended observation beds into service for patients.
(b) If the Department of Human Services determines that psychiatric emergency services under this subchapter are adequate to provide for the privacy and safety of all patients receiving services in the crisis stabilization unit, the Department of Human Services may approve the location of one (1) or more of the extended observation units within another area of the single point of entry rather than in proximity to the emergency department.
(c) Each crisis stabilization unit shall provide or contract to provide qualified physicians, licensed mental health professionals, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants, and ancillary personnel necessary to provide services twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
(d)(1) A psychiatric emergency service provided by a crisis stabilization unit shall have at least one (1) physician, one (1) psychiatric nurse practitioner, one (1) psychiatric physician assistant, or one (1) mental health professional who is a member of the staff of the crisis stabilization unit and who is on duty and available at all times.
(2) However, the medical director of the crisis stabilization unit may waive the requirement under subdivision (d)(1) of this section if provisions are made for:
(A) A physician in the emergency department to assume responsibility and provide initial evaluation and treatment of an individual with a behavioral health impairment in the custody of a crisis intervention team officer or referred by the community mental health center;
(B) A licensed mental health professional to screen and assess an individual with a behavioral health impairment within thirty (30) minutes of notification that the individual has arrived; and
(C) The physician, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric physician assistant, or mental health professional on call for the psychiatric emergency service to evaluate the individual with a behavioral health impairment onsite within twelve (12) hours of the individual's admission.
(3) A crisis stabilization unit is encouraged to use telemedicine under this subchapter to the extent it is effective and authorized by state law.
20-47-810. Ninety-six-hour maximum time of detention.
(a) An individual with a behavioral health impairment who is admitted to a crisis stabilization unit under a crisis intervention protocol under this subchapter shall have a final disposition within a maximum of ninety-six (96) hours or remain on a voluntary basis.
(b) If the individual with a behavioral health impairment cannot be stabilized within ninety-six (96) hours of entering into a crisis intervention protocol, a participating partner may institute commitment proceedings as authorized under § 20-47-201 et seq.
(c) As part of the discharge process after the ninety-six-hour stay has expired , a crisis stabilization unit shall provide the individual with a follow-up treatment plan and a request that the individual utilize the treatment plan, including subsequent appointments with a mental health professional.
Source: Arkansas General Assembly, Acts of 2021-2026 (arkleg.state.ar.us)URL: https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Acts/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2021R%2FPublic%2F&file=989.pdf&ddBienniumSession=2021%2F2021RFetched: 11/8/2026