§ 20-10-109 - Findings -- Intent. - Arkansas Statutes

20-10-109. Findings -- Intent.

(a) The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Residents in Arkansas' long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to the theft or illegal diversion of personal funds designated as residents' share of cost under the Arkansas Medicaid program;

(2) The theft or illegal diversion of residents' share of cost under the Arkansas Medicaid program has an adverse impact on the resources available to ensure high-quality care for all facility residents; and

(3) This section and 20-10-110 are necessary to:

(A) Protect long-term care residents' rights;

(B) Provide appropriate resources for residents' care; and

(C) Ensure that residents' funds designated to pay for long-term care are used for that purpose.

(b) The General Assembly intends that this section and 20-10-110 affect individuals who intentionally steal or divert residents' share of cost and not change the obligations or responsibilities of residents of long-term care facilities or deter legitimate disputes over the amount of a resident's share of cost.