§ 20-10-1702 — Purpose and intent

(a) The purpose of this subchapter is to: (1) Promote the availability of appropriate services for elderly persons and adults with disabilities in the least restrictive and most homelike environment; (2) Encourage the development of facilities that promote the dignity, individuality, privacy, and decision-making ability of those persons; (3) Provide for the health, safety, and welfare of residents of facilities offering assisted living services in the state; (4) Promote continued improvement of those facilities; (5) Include residential care facilities in the assisted living program; and (6) Encourage the development of innovative and affordable facilities particularly for persons with low to moderate incomes. (b) The General Assembly recognizes that: (1) Facilities offering assisted living services are a necessary part of the continuum of long-term care in the State of Arkansas; (2) Facilities offering assisted living services should be operated and regulated as residential environments with supportive services and not as medical or nursing facilities; (3) The services available in these facilities, either directly or through contract or agreement, are intended to help residents remain as independent as possible; and (4) Residential care facilities have been providing many assisted living services for years and should be allowed to participate in the new assisted living program.

Legislative History

Acts 2001, No. 1230, § 2.