Crisis intervention protocol not exclusive — Voluntary stay at crisis stabilization unit.
Ark. Code Ann. § 20-47-804
in effect(a) If during or after the initiation of a crisis intervention protocol under this subchapter a mental health professional or medical professional believes the individual being treated would benefit more from a longer commitment in a residential facility, the mental health professional or medical professional may institute commitment proceedings as authorized under § 20-47-201 et seq.
(b) If a commitment proceeding is initiated under § 20-47-201 et seq. in a court with jurisdiction, that proceeding shall control and any custodial detention or treatment as part of a crisis intervention protocol initiated under this subchapter shall cease in lieu of any commitment or treatment ordered by the court.
(c)(1) A crisis intervention protocol may be ended before the maximum detention time of ninety-six (96) hours has elapsed, as described under § 20-47-810, by the crisis stabilization unit that has custody of the individual at its discretion if:
(A) The individual in treatment under this subchapter agrees to remain at the crisis stabilization unit voluntarily;
(B) The treating crisis stabilization unit reasonably believes that the individual would not be a danger to himself or herself or to others if he or she remained at the crisis stabilization unit voluntarily; and
(C) The crisis stabilization unit agrees to allow the individual to remain at the crisis stabilization unit.
(2)(A) An individual who remains at a crisis stabilization unit voluntarily under this subsection is free to leave the crisis stabilization unit at any time.
(B) A crisis stabilization unit may:
(i) Discharge an individual who is released from custody and remains at the crisis stabilization unit voluntarily at its discretion; and
(ii) As part of the discharge process , provide the person with a follow-up treatment plan and a request that the person 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