§ 12-18-803 — Privileged communications as evidence - Exception

(a) It is the public policy of the State of Arkansas to protect the health, safety, and the welfare of children within the state. (b) No privilege, except that between a lawyer and client or between a minister, including a Christian Science practitioner, and a person confessing to or being counseled by the minister shall prevent anyone from testifying concerning child maltreatment. (c) When a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor or therapist conducts interviews with or provides therapy to a subject of a report of suspected child maltreatment for purposes related to child maltreatment, the physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor or therapist is deemed to be performing services on behalf of the child. (d) An adult subject of a report of suspected child maltreatment cannot invoke privilege on the child's behalf.

Legislative History

Acts 2009, No. 749, § 1.