§ 20-77-135 — Peer support specialist

The Department of Human Services shall not disqualify or exclude an individual from participation in the Arkansas Medicaid Program based on a criminal background check if: (1) The individual is employed as a peer support specialist or other similar position; (2) The individual obtains certification in peer recovery from an accredited organization approved by the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council; (3) The certification was obtained after the commission of a criminal offense; (4) (A) The criminal offense does not involve violence or a sexual act. (B) If the offense on the person's criminal background check that would disqualify him or her from employment is an offense that involves violence, the Department of Human Services shall evaluate the offense and make a determination, on the basis of criteria and limitation adopted by the department in rule, as to whether the person may be employed as a peer support specialist; and (5) The certification process includes due process for appealing a decision based upon a disqualifying charge in the criminal background check.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2023, No. 200,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2021, No. 782,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Added by Act 2019, No. 951,§ 2, eff. 4/12/2019.