Healthy Communities

State Health Assessment Report

OPMQIE | ​Performance Management System | Quality Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan
State Health Improvement Plan | Workforce Development Plan

The State Health Assessment 2020, Arkansas’s Big Health Problems Report provides scientific evidence of the health status of people in Arkansas. It is the foundation upon which the State Health Improvement Plan and the Agency’s Strategic Plan are based. The report is an updated edition of the 2013 publication “Arkansas’s Big Health Problems and How We Plan to Solve Them”. It is available in print or book versions as well as in PDF format.

The State Health Assessment 2020 Report provides information on the risk factors contributing to poor health outcomes among Arkansans. It also provides public health, health care, and other resources available in the community to help improve the health status of the population.

Access to the full State Health Assessment 2020, as well as specific chapters, can be found here.

Guía Para Las Pruebas Covid-19 en- el Hogar

El Estado de Arkansas ha comprado 1.5 millones de pruebas iHealth para el hogar para ser distribuidas en todo el estado. Estas pruebas estarán disponibles sin costo alguno para los habitantes de Arkansas.

Preguntas Frecuentes

P: ¿Quién es elegible para obtener una prueba de hogar sin costo?
R: Todos los habitantes de Arkansas.

P: ¿Cuántas pruebas puede recibir cada individuo/familia?
R: Dos (2) pruebas (un paquete) por persona por día o seis pruebas (3 paquetes) por familia por día. Hay dos pruebas en cada paquete.

P: ¿Cuándo estarán disponibles las pruebas?
R: Las pruebas estarán disponibles a partir del 11 de enero de 2022, desde que el primer envió recibido por el Departamento de Salud de Arkansas (ADH). Envíos adicionales llegarán en el futuro.

Si tiene fiebre, tos o dificultad para respirar O si cree que ha estado expuesto al virus que causa COVID-19, llame a su proveedor de atención médica. Hay pruebas disponibles con cita previa en las Unidades de Salud Locales y se pueden programar llamando a cualquier sitio donde están localizadas.

Mapa de los Lugares pare Recibir las Pruebas para el Hogar

 

COVID-19 Guidance for At-Home Testing

The State of Arkansas has purchased 1.5 million iHealth at-home tests for distribution across the state. These tests will be available at no cost to Arkansans.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Who is eligible to get an at-home test at no cost?
A: All Arkansans.

Q: How many tests can each individual/family get?
A: Two tests (one kit) per individual per day or six tests (three kits) per family per day. There are two tests in each kit.

Q: When will tests be available?
A: Tests will be available starting January 11, 2022, from the first shipment received by ADH. Additional shipments will be arriving in the future.

If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath OR if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 call your health care provider. Testing is available by appointment at Local Health Units and can be scheduled by calling any location.

MAP OF AT-HOME TEST PICK-UP LOCATIONS

 

Arkansas Barber & Beauty Shop Outreach Program

About

The Arkansas Barber & Beauty Shop Health Outreach Program (ArBHOP) is an initiative coordinated by the Office of Health Equity (OHE) at the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) aimed at connecting individuals with care for hypertension, diabetes, and HIV. The major goals of this initiative are as follows: to increase the number of newly HIV diagnosed African American and Latinx clients linked to medically appropriate care and treatment; to increase the number of referrals to the Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support Program and the Diabetes Prevention Program, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the ArBHOP.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans every year. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension or are taking medication for hypertension. Hypertension is more common among men than women and is more common in non-Hispanic Black adults than it is in non-Hispanic white adults, non-Hispanic Asian adults, or Hispanic adults. For more information about hypertension, please click here.

The ArBHOP works to identify those at risk of hypertension, especially within particularly at-risk communities, and to refer those individuals to primary care for diagnosis and treatment.

Prediabetes and the National DPP

Prediabetes relates to the indication of blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. According to the CDC, prediabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes. For more information about prediabetes, please click here.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program—or National DPP—is a partnership of public and private organizations working to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The partners work to make it easier for people with prediabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes to participate in evidence-based, affordable, and high-quality lifestyle change programs to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health. The ArBHOP works to identify Arkansans at risk of prediabetes and refer them to National DPP programs. For more information about the National DPP, please click here. To find a DPP program near you, please click here. 

Diabetes and DSMES Services

There are two forms of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an immune reaction, and there is currently no prevention strategy for this type. ArBHOP focuses on type 2 diabetes, a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Approximately 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2. You may be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you: are 45 years or older, have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, are not physically active, are overweight, or have ever had gestational diabetes. In the United States, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes than their counterparts. For more information about diabetes, please click here.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services teach those living with diabetes to manage their condition and stay healthy. According to the CDC, DSMES services help those living with diabetes to make better decisions regarding their diabetes, work with their healthcare team to get the support they need, understand how to take care of themselves, and learn the skills necessary to eat healthily, be active, check their blood sugar, take their medicine, solve problems, cope with the emotional side of diabetes, and reduce the risk of other health problems. To find DSMES services near you, please click here.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus typically spread through vaginal or anal sex or sharing needles/syringes. This virus attacks the body’s immune system and can cause serious illness if not identified and treated properly. There is currently no cure for the virus but with proper medical treatment, persons living with HIV can live long, healthy lives and avoid spreading the virus to others. For more information about HIV, please click here. 

The ADH has robust and effective HIV prevention, testing, and treatment programs. The ArBHOP has partnered with the ADH’s HIV branch to offer HIV testing and counseling at our events. Participants who are identified as positive for HIV will be referred for follow-up testing and, upon confirmation of status, will be immediately connected to care. For more information about HIV testing with the ADH, please click here.

Upcoming Events:

 

Contact 501-246-6151 or Danny.Baxter@arkansas.gov with any questions.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Performance

Resources

Electronic Case Reporting (eCR)

The Arkansas Department of Health is actively accepting and onboarding facilities for electronic case reporting. Please contact the Office of Health Information Technology at SHAREhealth@arkansas.gov or call at 501.410.1999.

What is Electronic Case Reporting (eCR)?

Electronic case reporting (eCR) is the automated, real-time exchange of case report information between electronic health records (EHRs) and public health agencies. It moves data quickly, securely, and seamlessly from EHRs in healthcare facilities to state and local public health agencies.

eCR uses a centralized platform that allows systems to communicate with each other in real-time. eCR runs behind the scenes in the EHR to automatically capture and report required information. If the information entered in the EHR matches codes of interest to public health, the data necessary for a public health report are sent to the platform. If the data meet jurisdictional reporting requirements, the report is sent to the appropriate public health agencies for investigation and follow-up.

eCR is a joint effort of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, and CDC. These organizations play key roles in leading, implementing, and operating eCR with healthcare organizations, EHR vendors, and public health agencies.

Benefits of Reporting using eCR:

eCR benefits everyone involved in case reporting. It provides timely and more complete data than manual reporting and decreases the burden on both healthcare facilities and public health staff.

For Public Health Agencies:

For Healthcare Providers:

Plan de Vacunacion - COVID-19

COVID-19 Recursos en Espanol | Pruebas de Deteccion de COVID-19 | Recursos Adicionales Sobre COVID-19 |
Vacunacion Contra el COVID-19

 

A pesar de que el desarrollo de la vacuna COVID-19 ha sido en un tiempo acelerado, la seguridad ha sido la máxima prioridad.

¿Quién es elegible para recibir la vacuna en Arkansas?

Ahora son elegibles para recibir la vacuna todos los residentes de Arkansas de 5 años o mayores.

¿Cómo puedo vacunarme?

Los residentes de Arkansas elegibles pueden hacer una cita en una farmacia cercana a su domicilio. Las clínicas y eventos de vacunas que pueden estar disponibles en su área o la puede tomar através de hospitales, proveedores de atención médica o en su lugar de trabajo. Haga clic aquí para obtener una lista de clínicas. Para aquellos que trabajan en educación o en el distrito escolar, la facultad o la universidad deberán determinar cuántas dosis necesitan, después pueden comunicarse con una Unidad de Salud Local del Departamento de Salud o una farmacia cercana a su domicilio para programar la vacuna. Llame al 1-800-803-7847 para obtener ayuda y para encontrar un sitio de vacunación en su área o para inscribirse en una clínica del Departamento de Salud.

Los residentes de Arkansas que reciben una vacuna de COVID-19 después de la fecha de vigencia del 26 de mayo de 2021 son elegibles para recibir un incentivo por vacunarse. Para obtener más información sobre los incentivos, haga clic aquí.

 

 

P: ¿Quién es elegible para recibir una dosis de refuerzo?
R: Las personas que recibieron una vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech, los refuerzos se recomiendan para aquellos que tienen 12 años o más y han pasado al menos cinco meses después de haber recibido la serie primaria de vacunación.

Las personas que recibieron una vacuna de Moderna, los refuerzos se recomiendan para aquellos que tienen 18 años o más y han pasado al menos seis meses después de haber recibido la serie primaria de vacunación.

Las personas que tienen inmunodepresión moderada o grave y recibieron la serie primaria de Pfizer o Moderna, se recomienda una dosis adicional 28 días después de haber recibido su segunda dosis. La dosis de refuerzo debe administrarse cinco meses después de su (tercera) dosis adicional. Los niños de 5 a 11 años con inmunodepresión moderada o grave, deben recibir una dosis primaria adicional de la vacuna de Pfizer 28 días después de la segunda vacuna.

Las personas que recibieron la vacuna Johnson & Johnson COVID-19, se recomienda la vacuna de refuerzo para aquellos de 18 años o mayores que se vacunaron hace al menos dos meses.

P: ¿Las vacunas de refuerzo tendrán la misma fórmula que las vacunas existentes?
R: Sí, las vacunas de refuerzo COVID-19 tienen la misma fórmula que las vacunas actuales de Covid-19. Sin embargo, en el caso de la vacuna de refuerzo de Moderna COVID-19, es la mitad de la dosis de la vacuna que reciben las personas para su serie inicial.

P: ¿Pueden las personas mezclar y combinar marcas de vacunas para su vacuna de refuerzo?
R: Las personas elegibles de 18 años o mayores pueden elegir qué vacuna recibir como dosis de refuerzo, independientemente de la vacuna que recibieron en la serie de vacunas inicial. Las recomendaciones de los CDC ahora permiten este tipo de combinación y mezcla de dosis para las vacunas de refuerzo. Las personas de 12 a 17 años solo deben recibir Pfizer para su refuerzo, ya que es la única vacuna autorizada para estas edades. Si ha perdido su tarjeta de registro de Vacunación COVID-19 del CDC o no tiene una copia, comuníquese directamente con su proveedor de vacunación para obtener  su tarjeta de vacunación. Puede encontrar información adicional sobre su registro de vacuna COVID-19 aquí.

 

Recursos Adicionales Sobre COVID-19

COVID-19 Recursos en Espanol | Plan de Vacunacion - COVID-19 | Pruebas de Deteccion de COVID-19 |
Vacunacion Contra el COVID-19

 

Recursos

Haga clic en cualquiera de los siguientes enlaces para obtener más información sobre el tema.

Opciones Para el Tratamiento de COVID-19
Aislese
Pongase en Quarentena
 
10 maneras de manejar los síntomas respiratorios en casa
Cómo usar las cubiertas de tela para la cara
Ayuda a protegerte a ti y a los demás del COVID 19
Síntomas del coronavirus
Qué puede hacer si tiene un mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente por el COVID-19
Lo que usted debe saber acerca del COVID-19 para protegerse y proteger a los demás
Detenga la propagación de gérmenes
Lo que significan los resultados de su prueb

 

Guias y recursos acerca del COVID 

Videos

 

 

Vacunacion Contra el COVID-19

COVID-19 Recursos en Espanol | Plan de Vacunacion - COVID-19 | ​Pruebas de Deteccion de COVID-19 |
Recursos Adicionales Sobre COVID-19

 

Lugares de vacunación

Favor de contactar solamente un proveedor.

Vacuna Contra COVID-19 información para profesionales de atención médica

 

 

 

Pruebas de Deteccion de COVID-19

COVID-19 Recursos en Espanol | Plan de Vacunacion - COVID-19 | ​Recursos Adicionales Sobre COVID-19 |
Vacunacion Contra el COVID-19

Pruebas

Si tienen fiebre, tos, o dificultad para respirar o si cree que ha estado expuesto a COVID-19, llame anticipadamente a su médico o solicite una cita para hacerse la prueba en la Unidad Local de Salud. Las pruebas están disponibles.

De clic aquí para ver el calendario de eventos programados donde se harán pruebas alrededor del estado.

Use el mapa que se encuentra abajo para encontrar un lugar que ofrece pruebas cerca de usted. En las Unidades Locales de Salud, las cuales se encuentran marcadas en rojo, las pruebas son gratuitas y no se requiere tener seguro médico. Llame primero para hacer una cita.

 

 

 

Full Practice Authority Committee

content coming.

Arkansas State Medical Board

Mission

The Medical Board's mission is to protect the public and act as their advocate by effectively regulating the practices of Medical Doctors, Osteopathic Medical Doctors, Physician Assistants, Medical Corporations, Respiratory Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Radiology Practitioner Assistants, and Radiologist Assistants.

Services

For the Practitioner

Continuing Medical Education

Resources

COVID-19 Information

 

Office Address Phone
Arkansas State Medical Board Victory Building
1401 West Capitol, Suite 340
Little Rock, AR		 Office: 501-296-1802
Fax: 501-296-1968

ASCC - Publications & Resources

Annual Reports

For reports older than 2018, contact the Commission Office.

ASCC Brochure and Newsletters

Spinal Connection

For Spinal Connection editions older than 2020, contact the Commission Office.

Spinal Courier

For Spinal Couriers older than 2012, contact the Commission Office.

Manuals

Surveys

Resources

ASCC - Programs and Services

Who is Eligible for Services from Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission?

The Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission serves only Arkansas residents who have sustained a spinal cord disability. 

Making a Referral

Arkansas state law (ACA 20-8-206requires that: Every public and private health and social agency and attending physician shall report to the commission within five (5) calendar days after identification of any spinal cord disabled person. Within fifteen (15) days of the report and identification of a spinal cord disabled person, the commission shall notify the spinal cord disabled person or the most immediate family members of their right to assistance from the state, the services available, and the eligibility requirements. 

If a healthcare professional, individual with a spinal cord disability or another interested individual identifies someone with a spinal cord disability, contact the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission to make a referral. It is better to refer someone who is not eligible than not to refer someone who is eligible for services.

To make a referral, contact the regional Case Management office or call the ASCC administrative office at 501-296-1788 or 800-459-1517 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Confidential fax is available 24 hours a day at 501-296-1787. Click here for the ASCC Referral Form.

Damage to the Spinal Cord

Spinal cord disabilities result from damage to the spinal cord. ASCC serves only Arkansans whose spinal cord has been damaged. This damage may result from a traumatic spinal cord injury, from a birth defect such as spina bifida or sacral agenesis, or a disease process of the spinal cord including spinal cord tumors, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, or spinal stenosis. This list of diagnoses is not exhaustive and if a health care provider or individual has an individual whom they believe may qualify for services, that individual should be referred and an ASCC Case Manager will be assigned to collect medical records and information to determine the spinal cord disability. Individuals with disabilities of the spinal column that do not affect the spinal cord, the brain or brain stem (only without cord involvement), or the peripheral nerves typically do not qualify for ASCC services.

Medical Criteria

Once an individual is determined to have a spinal cord disability, the ASCC Medical criteria are applied. The medical criteria assess the actual disability or limitations in function resulting from the spinal cord damage. For the purpose of determining disability, the four criteria listed below are used. An individual must have at least three of the following symptoms. Medical records or information will be used to verify these criteria:

Lack of Normal Motor Control / Paralysis - A lack of normal voluntary motor function. There should be enough weakness and/or spasticity to significantly interfere with normal self-care activities and/or mobility. In most cases, this will require the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, braces (including AFOs, KAFOS), crutches, or cane for mobility. In some cases, particularly those with a diagnosis of central cord syndrome, the paralysis may be more severe in the arms and hands than in the legs to the point that adaptive devices or assistance is required for completing activities of daily living such as feeding, dressing, and hygiene.

Lack of Normal Sensation - A lack of normal sensation at or below the level of lesion that results in absent or impaired ability to discern touch, pressure, pain (the ability to tell sharp from dull), or temperature (the ability to tell hot from cold). The individual should have enough loss of sensation to have more than normal risk to the skin and musculoskeletal structures.

Loss of Normal Bladder Control - The lack of ability to voluntarily empty the bladder in a timely manner without accidents or the use of equipment or medication. Frequently, individuals with spinal cord injury will present with a neurogenic bladder. When this condition is present, it is usually obvious with symptoms of either urinary incontinence (involuntary voiding) or urinary retention (inability to void). However, with minimal spinal cord damage, the symptoms may be subtler.

Loss of Normal Bowel Control - The lack of ability to voluntarily empty the bowel in a timely manner without accidents or the use of equipment or medication. Frequently, individuals with damage to the spinal cord will present with a neurogenic bowel. 

For additional information regarding the ASCC Medical Criteria, please see the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission Policies and Procedures Manual policy CS-3 – Medical Eligibility Criteria.

Financial Criteria

The Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission and our Case Managers provide numerous services to individuals who have met the medical criteria, including lifelong case management, counseling, guidance, advocacy, resource identification, referral for other services, technical assistance, and other services without regard to income.

When an individual needs purchased services or financial assistance in obtaining equipment or services related specifically to the spinal cord disability, the individual must also meet financial criteria. 

In order for ASCC to assist a client with purchased services:

For additional information regarding the ASCC Financial Criteria please see ASCC Case Management Procedures Manual, Chapter 5, Determining Financial Eligibility

For additional information regarding the procedures and array of services purchased by ASCC, please see ASCC Case Management Procedures Manual, Chapter 10, and Purchasing Services for your Client.

Please note, the ASCC budget for purchased services is small and the agency may not be able to make purchases to meet all of the clients’ needs due to these budgetary constraints.

Resources:

Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission

The Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission is a health-related agency of the state of Arkansas, established by Act 311 of 1975 and administered in accordance with Arkansas Code Annotated (ACA ) 20-8-201 – 206.

Our Mission

The Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission will administer a statewide program to identify and meet the unique and lifelong needs of people with spinal cord disabilities in Arkansas.

Our Purpose

To assist Arkansans with spinal cord disabilities in living as independently as they choose.

Our Goals

  1. Provide effective Case Management services to all eligible clients to improve independence and function.
  2. Conduct comprehensive consumer-driven service programs to meet client needs.
  3. Provide education and resources to individuals with spinal cord disabilities, their families, health care professionals, and the general public.
  4. Research the specialized needs, issues, trends, services, and health care resource utilization of individuals with spinal cord disabilities and make recommendations for change.
  5. Identify state, federal, and private funding sources to access additional funds for the provision of client services, research, and innovative program development.
  6. Network with state, federal, public, and private agencies to coordinate services and resources and to advocate for the needs of people with spinal cord disabilities.
  7. Operate the Arkansas Spinal Cord Disability Registry, promoting optimal and timely reporting, surveillance, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of registry information.
  8. Disseminate the results of ASCC spinal cord disability registry analysis and other research projects to compare with other states, systems, and national data.
  9. Utilize sound organizational management plan to assure effective, efficient fiscal, personnel, and programmatic services.
  10. Market and promote the activities and services of the Commission and the successes of our clients.

Commission Members

Name Location Term Expiration
Jimmy Ashley Jonesboro 2025
Jon Bruning Maumelle 2023
Dr. Patricia Knott Conway 2029
LeDanté Walker Hot Springs 2026

Commission Meetings (Regular meetings are held quarterly in February, May, and August on the last Tuesday of the month and in November on the third Tuesday of the month except when changed by the majority.)

 

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.

Office Address Phone/Fax
Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission Freeway Medical Building
5800 W. 10th St., Suite 108
Little Rock, AR 72204		 1-800-459-1517
Fax: 501-296-1787

OHIT - SHARE

Patient medical information has historically been stored on paper in filing cabinets at various medical offices. In recent years, many clinics and hospitals have shifted from paper charts to electronic health records. More than 37 percent of office-based physicians in Arkansas implemented an EHR system in 2011(according to the Department of Health & Human Services), and the adoption of EHR systems continues to grow. In 2013, all Arkansas hospitals are using an EHR system, and experts estimate that more than 60 percent of office-based Arkansas physicians currently use an EHR system.

A digital health care infrastructure provides many benefits over paper systems. But just like paper charts, electronic health records are stored within a clinic or hospital system and are rarely shared with your other providers. As a result, your doctors seldom have access to all your health information, which they need to give you the best care possible.

The Arkansas State Health Alliance for Records Exchange (SHARE) is a state-wide health information exchange (HIE) that solves this problem. SHARE allows participating doctors, nurses, specialists, health services professionals, and public health authorities to access and securely exchange with each other real-time, electronic patient information that is protected by federal and state privacy and security laws.

SHARE provides health information in a standardized electronic format and enables medical data to follow patients rather than being housed in separate physician’s offices or within a single hospital system. SHARE can greatly improve the completeness of patient’s records, which can have a major effect on care as medical history, current medications, and other information is reviewed during visits.

Appropriate, timely sharing of vital patient information through SHARE can better inform decision-making at the point of care and allow providers to:

Participating SHARE providers have access to their patients’ lab results, X-ray reports, medication allergies, and other vital information. By viewing health histories in SHARE, health care providers will have more complete medical information to provide high-quality care and coordinate treatment with other health care providers.

Click here for OHIT-SHARE full website.

ASWLB - Forms & Continuing Education

Continuing Education

Social Workers must complete thirty (30) hours of social work continuing education during the two-year license period to be eligible for license renewal. 

Social Work Continuing Education (SWCE) has been defined as those formalized activities that are directed at developing and enhancing an individual's social work knowledge base and service delivery skills in the applicable area of planning and administration, education, research, or direct service with individual, couples, families, and groups. These activities may include short academic courses, audit courses in colleges and universities, independent study courses, internet courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, and lectures oriented toward the enhancement of social work practice, values, skills, and knowledge. 

The Board does not have the capacity to pre-approve all continuing workshops. It is the licensee's responsibility, using his/her professional judgment, to determine the workshops that are applicable and appropriate to his/her professional development as a social worker. The continuing education guideline may be found here.

Forms

Application Forms:

Forms for Filing a Complaint

Forms for License Renewal

Supervision Forms

Miscellaneous Forms

Note: Forms that are not available for download or submission on the Internet must be obtained by contacting the Board office at:
 
Social Work Licensing Board
P.O. Box 251965
Little Rock, AR 72225

ASWLB - Licensing Information & FAQs

The Social Work Licensing Law (A.C.A. 17-103-101 et seq.) requires individuals who practice social work or represent themselves to the public as social workers to be licensed.

"Social work practice" is defined as a professional service that affects change in social conditions, human behavior, and emotional responses of individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations. "Social work practice" can only be performed with specialized knowledge and skills related to human development, the potential for human growth, the availability of social resources, and the knowledge of social systems. The disciplined application of social work knowledge and skills includes, but is not restricted to, the following:

Online Licensing:

Levels & Qualifications

The levels of licensure and requirements are as follows:

Licensed Social Worker (LSW):
A bachelor's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); successful completion of a Board-approved examination; and has applied a criminal background check and has not been found guilty of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any of the offenses listed in A.C.A. 17-103-307.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW):
A master's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; successful completion of a Board-approved examination; and has applied for a criminal background check and has not been found guilty of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any of the offenses listed in A.C.A. 17-103-307.

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW):
A master's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; two-years (4000 hours) postmaster's LCSW supervised social work experience; successful completion of a Board-approved examination; and has applied for a criminal background check and has not been found guilty of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any of the offenses listed in A.C.A. 17-103-307.

Provisional License

First-time applicants for LSW or LMSW licensure will be issued a provisional license upon approval of his or her application. A provisional license will be issued one time per person and will expire exactly one year from the date of issuance. Provisional licensing is prohibited at the LCSW level.

Applicants must apply for a criminal background check prior to being issued a provisional license. The fingerprint cards and instructions for having a background check will be mailed to the applicant upon receipt of his or her application.

Examination

The Board currently uses the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examinations. Information about the examination may be found at www.aswb.org. The levels of licensure and examinations are as follows:

Note: No one may take the examination without a valid application on file with the Board.

Q: If I fail the exam, may I retake it?
A: Yes, Your application is valid for one year or for up to three attempts to pass the examination. You must wait for 9O-days before retaking the examination. lf your approval period expires, you must complete a new application.

Criminal Background Checks

All first-time applicants for a social work license must apply to the Identification Bureau of the Arkansas State Police for state and national criminal background checks. No person shall be eligible to hold a license if that person has been found guilty of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any of the offenses listed in A. C. A. 17-103-307. The provisions of the requirement may be waived by the Board if the applicant meets the requirements for a waiver as defined in A.C.A. 17-103-307.

Endorsement

The Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board may grant a license without examination to a person meeting all of the other requirements of this chapter and who at the time of application is licensed as a social worker by a similar board of another state, territory, district, or Canadian province whose standards, in the opinion of the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board, are substantially equivalent to those required by this chapter.

Q: I am moving out of state, can I be licensed in more than one state?
A: Arkansas does not restrict you from holding a license in any other state. You will need to check with the state where you are moving to see what their qualifications and requirements are. Please note, we have a $20 fee to endorse your license to another state.

Other FAQs:

Q: How Do I Change My Name or Address?
A: A Change of Address/Name is found under the FORMS tab on the Board's website. Rule X. E. Duty to provide accurate information: The licensee has the responsibility to provide and update the Board with accurate information of any change in their name or address and must do so within thirty (30) days of the change.

Q: What are the types of Supervision?
A: There are two types of Supervision. Please see Rule Vl. Supervision: A. Indicates that all social workers must be supervised. B. Gives information about supervision for obtaining an LCSW license.

Q: Is There an Inactive or Retired License?
A: Arkansas does not have a retired or inactive status. Your license is either active or expired.

Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board

The Social Work Licensing Board was created by Act 791 of 1981 for the purpose of regulating the practice of social work in Arkansas

The mission of the Social Work Licensing Board is to protect the public by setting standards of qualification, training, and experience for those who seek to represent themselves to the public as social workers and by promoting high standards of professional performance for those engaged in the practice of social work.

Board Meetings: The Board meets on the second Monday of each month in The Freeway Medical Building at 5800 West 10th Street, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR. The meetings are open to the public.

Below is a list of the scheduled board meetings/hearings for 2021.

Please note: Meeting times and dates may be subject to change. Every effort will be made to keep the most current information available.

The deadline for submitting documentation for review at a Board meeting is always Thursday before the meeting. Meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted at https://portal.arkansas.gov on the Public Meeting Calendar Page.

Online Licensing:

Meeting Date Submission Due Date
January 10, 2022 January 6, 2022
February 14, 2022 February 10, 2022
March 1,4,2022 March 10, 2022
April It,2022 April 7, 2022
May 9, 2022 May 5, 2022
June 13, 2022 June 9, 2022
July 11, 2022 July 11, 2022
August 8, 2022 August 4, 2022
September 12, 2022 September 8, 2022
October 10, 2022 October 6, 2022
November 14, 2022 November 9, 2022
December 12, 2022 December 8, 2022

Meeting Minutes: for any minutes older than 2021, contact the Board office.

Resources:

Social Work-Related:

Arkansas Social Work Programs Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education:

Staff:

Ruthie Bain, Director of the Board
Chere' Johnson, Administrative Specialist III

Office Address Phone
Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board

Mailing:
P.O. Box 251965
Little Rock, Arkansas 72225

Physical:
Freeway Medical Tower Building
5800 West 10th St., Suite 100
Little Rock, AR 72204

 Office:(501) 372-5071
Fax: (501) 372-6301

Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians

The Board is charged with administering, coordinating, and enforcing the Ophthalmic Dispensing Act codified at Ark. Code Ann. 17-89-101 et seq. "Ophthalmic Dispensing" includes the preparation of laboratory work orders, verification and dispensing of spectacle lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, or parts thereof to the intended wearer, on written prescription from ophthalmologists or optometrists. More detail is provided in Ark. Code 17-89-102 (1)(A)&(B).

The Board's duties include evaluating qualifications to take the licensing examination, establishing the format and content of the examination, and administering the written and practical examination for licensed dispensing opticians. The Board then issues a certificate of licensure or certificate of registry to those applicants who successfully meet the qualifications and pass the examination.

The Board investigates complaints, allegations, and charges of practices that violate the provisions of the Ophthalmic Dispensing Act and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act. These complaints are against licensed dispensing opticians and against a business that is acting as licensed dispensing opticians without being licensed.

The Board compiles and maintains a book of licensure and registry of all Dispensing Opticians who are licensed are registered to engage in the business of ophthalmic dispensing in the State.

The Board promulgates rules which establish which acts shall constitute improper conduct and grounds for revocation or suspension of a license or registry or for refusal to renew a license or registry. It also promulgates rules and regulations conforming to the policies of the Act for the purpose of carrying into effect the purpose of the Act. This includes establishing ethical standards of ophthalmic dispensing practices, application procedures, and procedures for investigating complaints.

The Board registers apprentice dispensing opticians who work with licensed or registered opticians.

The duties and functions of the Board are listed completely in Ark. Code Ann. 17-89-203.

Forms & Publications

Resources:

The Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians’ licensed and apprentice certificates must be renewed annually by July 1st. Pursuant to Board Rule 144.00.1-11. Annual Renewal, Licensees must obtain four (4) hours of the required continuing education in even-numbered years (2020). Due to covid-19, many licensees do not feel comfortable attending in-person educational meetings. 

There are concerns that some provisions within the Board’s rules may prevent or hinder the Board from rendering maximum assistance to the citizens of Arkansas while they are trying to adhere to guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Considering the State’s COVID-19 response and the Governor’s call for social distancing, this rule will be suspended pursuant to EO 20-16 until the current state of emergency is declared over by the Governor which will make it possible for licensees to obtain the required 9 hours of CEC’s before renewing July 1, 2021.

Office Address Phone
Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians
Contact: Jerry Himes, Secretary-Treasurer		 P.O. Box 627
Helena, AR 72342		 870-572-2847

ASBEADAC - Licensure Information

A two-tier licensure system is currently available.  The most significant difference in the level of licensure relates to the level of education:

  1. Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) – holds a masters degree in the health or behavioral sciences field or another appropriate field from an accredited college or university;
  2. Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC)  – holds a baccalaureate degree in the health or behavioral sciences field or another appropriate field from an accredited college or university;

All applications are reviewed by the Credentialing Committee and presented to the Board for approval at the next regularly scheduled meeting following receipt of all required documents.

Relicensure Information

Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

“This Board is authorized by Arkansas Code Annotated section 17-27-401 to 416 to license alcoholism and drug abuse counselors and to regulate such licensees to protect the public from unqualified or unprofessional persons holding themselves out to the public to be licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselors. The Board is also authorized to investigate complaints and sanction licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselors who violate the rules or ethics code of the Board.”

Our mission is to protect the public by upholding the standards of practice for alcoholism and drug abuse counselors.

On behalf of the members of the Board and staff, we hope these web pages will prove to be a useful tool for both the public and for certified and licensed alcohol and drug abuse personnel.

For individuals seeking licensure in the State of Arkansas, click here.

About Us

I. Purpose
This Scope of Practice Statement is intended to provide a definition of professional alcoholism and drug abuse counselor’s rights and responsibilities and to distinguish this profession from other behavioral healthcare professionals.

II. Introduction
Alcohol and drug abuse counseling is the application of general counseling theories and treatment methods adapted to specific alcohol and drug theory and research, for the express purpose of treating persons with alcohol and other drug problems and persons with co-occurring psychiatric disorders within our diverse society.

III. Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Counseling
The practice of alcohol and drug counseling is based on the following knowledge:

  1. Pharmacology and psychopharmacology of alcohol and drugs (drugs of abuse and drugs used in the treatment of addictions and other psychiatric disorders).
  2. Addiction processes including models and theories of addiction; the social and cultural context of addiction; the biological, psychological, and social effects of addiction; and the differentiation and interrelations of addiction from other medical and psychological conditions.
  3. Various treatment models and methods including models of treatment, relapse prevention, and continuing care; the impact of treatment on problems associated with addiction; co-occurring psychiatric disorders; the importance of community, social, family and self-help systems.
  4. Practical application including use of interdisciplinary approaches and teams in treatment; assessment and diagnostic criteria; appropriate use of treatment modalities; adapting treatment strategies to a patient’s individual characteristics and needs; and the use of other resources in securing the best available services for the patient.
  5. Professional standards of practice including recognizing the needs of diverse populations relating to issues of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders; adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct; commitment to continuing education and clinical supervision; awareness of policies and procedures for patients and staff safety; an understanding of etiology, treatment and prevention; and the clinical application of current research in alcohol and drug treatment.

IV. Scope of Practice
The practice of alcohol and drug counseling consists of the activities listed below. The practice of these activities will conform to the individual’s level of training, education, and supervised experience.

1. Clinical Evaluation of Drug and Alcohol Issues
1.1 Screening of Alcohol and Drug Problems
1.2 Assessment of Alcohol and Drug Problems
1.3 Screening for the presence of other Psychiatric Disorders
1.4 Diagnosis of Alcohol and Drug Problems
2. Treatment Planning
2.1 Case Management
2.1.1 Implementing the Treatment Plan
2.1.2 Consulting
2.1.3 Continuing Assessment and Treatment Planning
2.2 Referral
2.3 Cultural Diversity
2.4 Patient Advocacy
3. Counseling
3.1 Individual Counseling
3.2 Group Counseling
3.3 Family Counseling
4. Education and Prevention
4.1 Patient
4.2 Family
4.3 Community
5. Documentation
6. Professional and Ethical Standards
 

Resources:

Office Address Phone
Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

4815 West Markham
Mail Slot 42A
Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501-295-1100
Fax: 501-251-1151

ABEC - Online Renewal

ABEC has implemented an online renewal process. You will be able to do the following online:

To update your Statement of Intent, use the following process:

  1. Go to the online Statement of Intent data collection form
  2. Find your license record by searching for your license number
  3. Fill out the SOI form with accurate details of your current practice
  4. Attest to the required rules and regulations at the bottom of the form
  5. Hit the SUBMIT button and your responses will be added to your license

To update your C2.h, use the following process: NOTE: The board no longer requires this to be submitted to the board office.

To submit your Continuing Education, use the following process: NOTE: The total required hours is 24 CEs for single or dual license renewal.

  1. Go to the online CE collection form
  2. Find your license record by searching for your license number
  3. Fill out the CE information – noting the classification for each class
  4. Hit the SUBMIT button and enter your next CE
  5. Repeat the process until all CEs have been submitted
  6. All CE information will be added to your license and be used to validate your license renewal.

To pay for your renewal using the secure online payment system, use the following process: NOTE FOR DUAL LICENSE HOLDERS: Your licenses have been combined and you will only have to pay one time.

  1. Go to the Online Renewal Payment form
  2. Find your license record by searching for your license number and zip code
    NOTE: If you have trouble finding your license, use the online search tool link to get the exact license number and zip code. Use the second one listed if they are different.
  3. Update your personal information (if needed) and save that information
  4. Use the CE link to add any undocumented CE information needed to complete your renewal
  5. Fill out the payment form using your card’s billing address
  6. Hit the green PAY button. The payment will include an additional convenience charge for this service. 

If you receive a confirmation of payment, you will see a receipt. Print the page for your records. If you receive an error message, you can retry by correcting any wrong information.

ABEC - Licensees

In this section, you will find information, instructions, and forms that pertain to various licensee’s interests. All licensees are required to renew their license to practice every two years. Check your license wallet card for the renewal date of your license.

The instructions and forms for renewing your license are found on the Licensure Renewal page.

All associate status licensees are required to report client contact hours along with the supervisor's evaluation every six months. The forms for these supervision reports are found in this section under Supervision Reporting Forms.

The last section of interest for licensees is Specializations. All of the instructions and forms for obtaining a Specialization can be found in the Specialization tab. The most common is the Approved Supervisor Status.

We hope that you will be able to find and complete these without assistance but please contact the Board office if you need any help.

Current Supervision Reporting Forms:

Supervisor Status Documents:

Renewal Forms:

ABEC - Applicants

On this page, you will find all of the necessary steps and associated forms to become a licensed counselor or therapist in the state of Arkansas. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please feel free to contact us at 501.683.5800.

LAC Licensure

LAMFT Licensure

Licensure by Endorsement

Other Forms:

For Supervisor Status Application Documents, visit the LICENSEES page.

ABEC - Board Information

The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling protects the public of Arkansas and ensures the quality of Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy services being provided to the citizens of Arkansas through regulation of title and practice of the persons licensed by the Board under Arkansas Code Annotated 17-27-101 et sq. The Board was authorized for title and practice licensing of Counselors by Act 593 of 1979. The Act was amended for title and practice licensing of Marriage and Family Therapists by Act 244 of 1997.

History and Organization

The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling regulates the title and practice of Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists in the State of Arkansas. The Board examines the credentials of those who hold the license. The Board monitors and records the supervision of each new license until the license holder has completed the mandated three (3) years of supervised practice. The Board conducts investigations into violations of Statutes, Rules, and Regulations based on complaints, practice without a license, and/or information received by the Board administrative office. If the complaints are valid and have sufficient merit, administrative hearings are held to resolve the issue, suspend or revoke the license if necessary.

The Board's mission is to protect the public and to ensure the quality of mental health services being provided to the citizens of Arkansas. The staff is responsible for the operation of the Board, for carrying out the policies of the Board and making detailed reports and recommendations to the Board each month. The General Assembly of the State of Arkansas approved Act 593 of 1979 (A.C.A. §17-27-101) in the Regular Session, 1979. The General Assembly approved Act 244 of 1997 to amend A.C.A. §17-27-101 through 104 and approved Act 1317 of 1997 to amend A.C.A. §17-1-103 in the Regular Session, 1997. The Acts provided for the regulation of the practice and the use of the titles of Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Specialization Licenses created by the Board of Examiners in Counseling, prescribed the powers and duties of the Board, and provided for the examination and licensure of Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, and provided for the examination and licensure of those with specialized training in the field of Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.

The first Board of Examiners in Counseling, composed of seven members, was appointed by the Governor sixty days after July 1, 1979, in the manner and for the terms of office provided in Act 593 of 1979. A retired citizen board member was appointed in the fall of 1984 and a Marriage and Family Therapist was appointed in the fall of 1997 bringing the Board’s membership to a total of nine (9) members. The Board meets each month.

Disciplinary hearings held before the Board are pursuant to the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act and are arranged through the staff of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 501-683-5800.

2021 Upcoming Meetings: All board meetings are open to the public. Oral interviews are held on Fridays. For information about attending a board meeting,

Board Members

Dr. Robbie Cline, Chair, LPC Practitioner
Dr. Ryan Martin, Counselor Educator
Dr. Justin Moore, Counselor Educator
Dr. Suzanne Casey, MFT Practitioner, DARC
Wendy Blackwood, LPC Practitioner
Sherry Holliman, Public Representative
Cheryl Edwards, Secretary, LPC Practitioner
Dr. Larry Hopkins, Counselor Educator
Vickie Keeton, 60+ Representative

Meeting Minutes (for any meeting minutes older than 2020, contact the Board's office.

Arkansas State Board of Examiners in Counseling

Welcome To The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy.

The Board of Examiners is here to help you pursue a professional license to practice in Arkansas. Our web pages provide access to application forms, licensure protocol, laws, rules, disciplinary procedures, rosters of practitioners and supervisors, and other helpful information that will assist you in your chosen career.

The Board also invites comments and questions from consumers. If you wish to locate a counselor, or if you have questions or concerns about the professionals who serve the citizens of our state, you can find it on this website.
We hope you will visit our website often to stay current on the latest developments pertaining to your pursuits. Feel free to contact us with any ideas or suggestions for improving our service.

To read more, visit the BOARD INFORMATION page.
 

Applicants | Licensees | Renew Online | License Search & Verification | Upload CEs

 

Important Notices

Rules & Codes of Ethics

The enabling legislation of the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling is codified at Arkansas Code Annotated §17-27—101 et seq. and it provides for the licensure and regulation of Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists; and the individuals who are allowed to use the titles “licensed professional counselor”, “licensed associate counselor”, “licensed marriage and family therapist”, and “licensed associate marriage and family therapist”. The Act is both title and practice.

The Board of Examiners in Counseling shall, in all deliberations and in all adopted Rules, diligently pursue goals most consistent with the public interest and protection of the public welfare and shall, at all times, apply the provisions of Arkansas Code Annotated § 17-27-101, et seq. and the Rules in a fair and impartial manner.

ASBCE - Procurers

ACT 513 of 2013 went into effect on Friday, 8/16/2013.

17-81-107. Use of a procurer.
    (a) As used in this section:
        (1) (A) "Procurer" means a person or entity who for pecuniary benefit procures or attempts to procure a client, patient, or customer by directly contacting the client, patient, or customer in person, by telephone, or by electronic means at the direction of, request of, employment of, or in cooperation with a chiropractic physician.
                (B) "Procurer" does not include a provider or a person that procures or attempts to procure a client, patient, or customer for a provider through public media or a person that refers a client, patient, or customer to a provider as otherwise authorized by law; and
        (2) "Public media" means telephone directories, professional directories, newspapers and other periodicals, radio and television, billboards, and mailed or electronically transmitted written or visual communications that do not involve in-person or direct contact with specific prospective clients, patients, or customers.
    (b) A chiropractic physician who uses a procurer is required to:
        (1) Have a written contract with the procurer or procurement company with whom the chiropractic physician engages; and
        (2) Register the name of any procurer with whom the chiropractic physician contracts with the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. [Acts 2013, No. 513, § 3].

17-81-108. Rulemaking and enforcement. -The Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners shall establish rules to enforce the requirements of this chapter. [Acts 2013, No. 513, § 3].

D. ADVERTISING BY CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIANS.
    9. Telephone communication including advertising/marketing. Any agent, procurer, contractor, or employee communicating with a prospective patient on behalf of a chiropractic physician shall disclose how the agent, procurer, contractor, or employee obtained the prospective patient's information. The agent, procurer, contractor, or employee must communicate his or her legal name and the name of the particular chiropractic physician on whose behalf the communication is being made, that he or she is an agent, procurer, contractor, or employee of the particular chiropractic physician. Unless such communication of the agent, procurer, contractor, or employee is true and evidence of the same is on file with the Board, the agent, procurer, contractor, or employee shall not state that he or she practices or is employed as attorney, insurance adjuster, chiropractor, and is not employed in the fields of law, health care, law enforcement, private investigation, or insurance.
        (a) When direct in-person solicitation is made by an agent, procurer, contractor, or employee of the chiropractor, in addition to the requirements set forth in paragraph 9, the agent, procurer, contractor, or employee shall show the person being solicited a photo ID with their legal name and the name of the chiropractic physician on whose behalf the solicitation is being made, and shall dispense a professional card bearing his or her legal name, and the name, address, and telephone number of the licensed chiropractic physician on whose behalf the solicitation is being made. Such professional card shall be provided to the person being solicited at the beginning of the encounter, and shall be left with the person regardless of whether the person being solicited accepts the solicitation request.
        (b) The licensee employing an agent, procurer, contractor, or employee for purposes of soliciting new patients shall file, in a format approved by the board, a registration form an a copy of the procurers' driver's license or state issued ID before the procurer acts on the chiropractor's behalf. Each procurer registration shall terminate on December 31. The chiropractic physician shall register each procurer annually. The chiropractor is required to provide the board with updated procurer registration information, should any of it change during the year. All registered phone numbers and pictures of the procurers will be made public on the board's website to be as transparent as possible. The chiropractic physician is responsible to the Board for the content of the contact, including prohibited statements made or required statements not made, as well as for any action that is foreseeable in a telephone or in-person encounter.
                (1) Telephone solicitation/marketing of victims of accidental injury and which are conducted on behalf of chiropractic physicians shall be made in substantial conformance to a written script which is considered by the Board to have been specifically approved by the chiropractic physician. The chiropractic physician shall be required to maintain such scripts for a period of two (2) years following their utilization. Scripts are to be made available for review upon request by this Board or its designee.
                (2) Agents, procurers, contractors, or employees of chiropractic physicians who solicit victims of accidental injury shall keep a log of all solicitation calls made, including at minimum the name and phone number of the person being solicited, the date and time of the phone call.

ASBCE - Continuing Education

License Information

AR Approved Continuing Education

Upcoming CE courses for 2021:

The CE rosters are in order by the sponsor name and each sponsor begins on a new page. You can scroll through the document or you can do a search/find (Ctrl + f) to look for something specific. Also provided are rosters by the course start date for easier access to what is coming up each month.


Continuing Education - Licensure Requirements

PLEASE NOTE: It is the responsibility of the chiropractor to obtain the certificate of attendance and mail it to the Board office with the license renewal during the license renewal period.

In compliance with provisions of the Arkansas Chiropractic Practices Act, each licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, practicing in this State, must annually submit evidence to the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners of having satisfactorily completed not less than twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education, acquired during the preceding twelve (12) months, conducted by an approved chiropractic college, institution or at the approved educational course, program or seminar. A maximum of twelve (12) distance-based learning credit hours may be submitted by a licensee during each licensing period. See Rules and Regulations Section E(3).


Sponsor Information

Application for Continuing Education Credit Approval.

The following steps must be followed when submitting a request for continuing education credit approval to the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners:

Mail the completed form, accompanying information, and processing fee(s) to:

Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
ATTN: Continuing Education
101 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 209
Little Rock, AR 72201

ASBCE - Applicants

Chiropractic Aides | Chiropractic Preceptorship | Temporary License

 

ASBCE does not reciprocate with any other states.
 

Application for Licensure Information

Please note: NBCE Parts I, II, III, IV & the Physiological Therapeutic section will be mandatory effective July 1, 2016, and the ASBCE Board Practical exam will be repealed.

The Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners offers a new doctor orientation four times a year. January, April, July, and October. The new doctor orientation is a prerequisite to licensure.

Applicants that have NOT graduated Chiropractic College:

If you are an Active Military member stationed in Arkansas or a returning Veteran or the spouse of one, please submit the Military Expedite form with your license application.

Please complete the License Application and mail it with the required fees to:

ASBCE
101 East Capitol Ave., Ste. 209
Little Rock, AR 72201

 

Chiropractic Aides

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-81-102(4) 'Chiropractic aide' means an unlicensed member of the chiropractic team who may assist a chiropractic physician in the performance of those procedures and techniques constituting the practice of chiropractic as defined in this chapter with the exception of spinal manipulation and adjustment, provided that such assistance shall be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractic physician.

Code Ark. R. 029.00.2-E(2)

ADH Radiologic Technology
ACRRT

 

Chiropractic Preceptorship Information

The Preceptorship program has been established in order to allow chiropractic students in the final clinical phase of their training to practice under the direct, on-site, supervision of a chiropractor licensed in this state.

Preceptor(supervisor) Application to be submitted to the board.

 

Temporary License Information

Fees - made payable to the ASBCE:

An applicant may apply for a temporary license once a COMPLETED application for licensure is on file with the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Temporary license applications are voted on by the full Board.

Supervised Temporary License

After a temporary license holder has received approval from the Board, he may perform any acts or practices that a licensed Arkansas Chiropractor may do, as long as it is under the supervision of the supervising Chiropractor who must remain on the premises when these acts or practices are being performed.

Upon satisfactory evidence being submitted to the Board as to an applicant's ability and integrity and when no regular examination will be held within thirty (30) days from the date of an application for a temporary license, the board may, if approved by at least two-thirds of the membership of the Board, issue to the applicant a permit to practice until the next regular meeting of the Board.

Supervising Doctor Requirements:

Unsupervised Temporary License

The Board may at its discretion, issue a temporary license to a Doctor of Chiropractic who holds a current license in another state, to practice in Arkansas until his next scheduled examination and exempt him/her from any supervisory requirement.

Please complete the Temporary License Application form and mail it with the required fee to:

ASBCE
101 E. Capitol Ave., Ste. 209
Little Rock, AR 72201.

ASBCE - Licensees

ASBCE - Meeting Minutes and Newsletters

Board Newsletters:

Board Meeting Minutes:

For minutes older than 2016, contact the Board office.

 

Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners

*Please use the menu on the left to navigate our web pages.

The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners was created by Act 126 of 1915, as a regulatory board to:

The Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners provides access to resources and other information on this Web Site as a public service. Although reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all electronic information made available is current, complete, and accurate, the ASBCE does not warrant or represent that this information is current, complete, and accurate. All information is subject to change on a regular basis, without notice. The Agency assumes no responsibility for any damages incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this site.

Calendar: Below are dates of meetings and deadlines for application materials.

Board Meetings: To request an item be included on a board meeting agenda, please submit the request in writing to the Board office. Meeting dates for FY2020.
Date Time Agenda Item Request Due
July 20, 2021 10am 07-09-21
Deadlines for all application documents (includes background check forms)
Friday, June 4, 2021 (for July 2021 orientation)
Staff
Laurie Mayhan, Director
Lisa Cross, Administrative Analyst
Board Members Term
Tanya Holt, D.C., President July 2017 to June 2022
Sarah Hays, D.C., Secretary August 2018 to June 2023
Mr. Harold "Hal" Gunter, Treasurer/Consumer Member(60+) July 2018 to June 2023
Gregory Ungerank, D.C., Board Investigator October 2019 to June 2024
Mr. Jack McCoy, Consumer Member July 2019 to June 2024
Michael Courtney, D.C., FICC, Board Member July 2020 to June 2025
J. Kent Moore, D.C., Board Member June 2016 to June 2021
Note: Please call the Board office for any questions you might have. (501) 682-9015.

File a Complaint:

The Chiropractic Board is empowered by law to enact, interpret, and apply rules and regulations governing the conduct of individuals licensed under the State of Arkansas Chiropractic Practice Act.

Any person or legal entity may file a complaint or report a violation to the board. Such complaints should be in writing (along with the ASBCE Uniform Complaint Form) and should state facts, which indicate possible misconduct by the licensee. The board may act on its own initiative if evidence of misconduct comes to the attention of the board.

When filing a complaint give full details, which should include facts, details, and dates. Attach all billing document records, correspondence, and contracts.

Upon receiving a complaint a copy is forwarded to the Board Investigation Committee.

If the doctor is licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners a letter is mailed to the doctor along with a copy of the complaint requesting a response within ten days. Upon receiving a letter of response from the doctor the investigation committee determines whether further investigation is warranted or whether an informal disposition may be attempted by settlement, consent, agreement, or for lack of sufficient probable cause.

Upon completion of an investigation, the Board investigation committee determines whether a disciplinary hearing should be scheduled to resolve the issue.

The licensee has a right to a fair hearing. Procedures, which protect the licensee's rights, while allowing the board to conscientiously enforce its rules, are essential to an effective disciplinary environment.

Resources:

Office Address Phone
Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners 101 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 209
Little Rock, AR  72201		 (501) 682-9015 Business
(501) 682-9016 Fax (currently not working)
(866) 257-8277 Toll Free

 

PANS/PANDAS

What is PANDAS?

According to the National Institutes of Health, PANDAS is short for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. A child may be diagnosed with PANDAS when:

The symptoms are usually dramatic, happen “overnight and out of the blue,” and can include motor or vocal tics or both and obsessions, compulsions, or both. In addition to these symptoms, children may become moody or irritable, experience anxiety attacks, or show concerns about separating from parents or loved ones.

Resources:

POLST - Resources

Questions or comments for AR POLST may be emailed to arpolst@hpcaa.org

Advance Care Planning

POLST - Advance Directives

There are three advance care planning documents:

Advance Directive

This is a legal document that states what kinds of treatment should be given to us when we can no longer make decisions or speak for ourselves. It only goes into effect if we are terminally ill or have lost decision-making capacity, and it is usually completed in advance of any known illness. We complete it ourselves (no one else may complete the form for you), and unless there are other known facts, it must be honored. To become valid, it must include the signatures of two witnesses. All adults should have an Advance Directive.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

This legal document authorizes someone chosen by an individual (called an ‘agent’) to make decisions on their behalf if they are no longer able to speak for themselves.  The agent makes decisions on behalf of the patient which is aligned with their known or stated preferences for ongoing medical care.

AR POLST does not replace the above forms but can be used to operationalize the directives of the living will.  

Advance Care Planning Resource for Patient & Families

The Center for Practical Bioethics shares The Caring Conversations® Workbook to guide you, your family, and your friends through the process of advance care planning with a highly individualized focus. The Workbook includes a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Decisions form as well.

Click here to access.

POLST - Forms & Directions

Providers

AR POLST form is available through the Arkansas Department of Health website. Changes to the form are made through the legislative process.

Click here to download the current AR POLST form.

AR POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is an easily identifiable pink document that translates a patient’s goals of care and treatment preferences for end-of-life care into a physician order that transfers across AR health care settings.  The AR POLST form represents a “plan of care” for a patient with a life-limiting illness and is modeled after the Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Paradigm which is used in many states. 

The document should be completed after a thorough discussion with the patient, and if the patient is incapacitated, by his/her legal health care representative* regarding the patient’s understanding of the illness, treatment preferences, values, and goals of care.  Completion of an AR POLST form encourages communication between doctors and patients, enables patients to make informed decisions, and clearly documents these decisions to other physicians and health care professionals.  As a result, AR POLST can help ensure that a patient’s wishes are honored, prevent unwanted or non-beneficial treatments, and reduce patient and family stress regarding decision-making.

AR POLST does not replace an advance directive for health care but can be used to operationalize the directives of the living will.

The AR POLST form is an essential part of health information records that travels with the patient as he/she moves from one health care setting to another. A copy should always be kept in the patient’s chart or medical record and be immediately accessible by other health care providers as necessary across care settings.   

An AR POLST form may be revoked/voided at any time by the patient or legal proxy.

Please click here for a detailed video describing AR POLST.
Please click here to learn about physician and nurse practitioner billing for ACP discussions.

Compliance with AR POLST

In some cases, physicians have been hesitant to follow AR POLST orders without first reassessing the person’s wishes in the current clinical situation. However, the AR POLST form states that the orders on AR POLST form should be followed until a review is completed by the accepting health care professional.  The AR POLST form should be followed even if the physician who has signed the document is not on the medical staff of the facility.

Health care institutions are encouraged to develop policies and procedures for the use of AR POLST.

The Impact of AR POLST

Research has shown that documents like AR POLST are making a difference in end-of-life care.  It serves as a useful tool for starting a dialogue with patients regarding their wishes about end-of-life care.

Studies in states that have POLST available have revealed that among patients with completed POLST documents, treatment preferences were respected 98% of the time, and no one received unwanted CPR, intubation, intensive care, or feeding tubes. As a result, POLST has helped to bridge the gap between preferred treatment options and the actual treatments patients receive.

Heart Disease Maps

 

Stroke Maps

 

Arkansas Minority Health Commission

Click here for the Arkansas Minority Health Commission's website.

Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee

Purpose | Vision | Mission | Goals
 

The Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee (AMMRC) began with the passage of Act 829 of 92nd General Assembly Regular Session, 2019. The AMMRC was developed with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Building US Capacity to Review and Prevent Maternal Deaths and is modeled after well-established review committees in the United States.

To improve maternal health outcomes, you must begin with understanding the factors that contribute to maternal mortality. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) established inter-and intra-agency agreements to identify maternal deaths and to access records to facilitate committee review. Through data collection and analysis of clinical factors, preventability, and social determinants, the AMMRC seeks to identify factors that lead to poor maternal health outcomes and to make recommendations that will decrease maternal mortality and morbidity.

Membership

The AMMRC is a multidisciplinary committee whose members represent the state of Arkansas. The members consist of various specialties, facilities, and systems that interact with and impact maternal health.

The members are appointed by the Arkansas Secretary of Health and consist of specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, anesthesiology, nursing, psychiatry, mental/behavior health, nurse midwifery, public health, hospital association, patient advocacy, and more.  Recruitment of new AMMRC members occurs as needed.

All AMMRC members serve in a volunteer capacity and do not receive compensation for participation in the review process. ADH Family Health Branch maintains an internal workgroup to provide administrative support for the committee.

Resources

Resources for Committee Members

Reports

What is maternal mortality?

In understanding maternal mortality or deaths, several terms exist depending on what and who the term is being used for (i.e., surveillance and reporting, public education, grant applications, etc.). Below are a few common terms and definitions:

Scope

The scope of cases for Arkansas review is all pregnancy-associated deaths or any deaths of women during pregnancy or up to 365 days after pregnancy ends. In July 2020, committee members set forth exclusion criteria for abstraction (i.e., motor vehicle accidents and out-of-state residents). Deaths are identified from a review of death certificates, based on the cause of death, a pregnancy check box selection, or linkage of vital records by searching death certificates of women of reproductive age and matching them to birth or fetal death certificates in the year of or the year prior to the woman’s death.

Purpose

The purpose of the AMMRC is to identify and characterize maternal deaths with the goal of identifying prevention opportunities.

Vision

To protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans by eliminating preventable maternal deaths in Arkansas.

Mission

Optimize health for all Arkansans to achieve maximum personal, economic, and social impact.

Goals

The goals of the AMMRC are to:

Quarterly Meetings

The AMMRC meets quarterly to review select cases and make recommendations about each case based on the case narrative and abstracted data. These are closed meetings. Members of the public or press will not be allowed at AMMRC meetings. If members of the public or press show up uninvited at a meeting, they will be notified that the AMMRC meetings are not open to the public and will be asked to leave. Members of the public or press will be offered the opportunity to engage with ADH staff about the work at a separate time outside of the AMMRC meetings. The committee examines the cause of death and contributing factors. This multidisciplinary group assembled for the first official meeting in January 2020.

For questions, please contact: ADH-AR.Maternal.Mortality.Review@arkansas.gov

ADH COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

COVID-19 Vaccination Locations | Vaccine FAQ | Vaccine Plan | Forms and Resources | Volunteers
 

Arkansans ages 5 or older are now eligible to receive the vaccine.

Each week, vaccine clinics will happen in each of the five public health regions. Some clinics will be first-come, first-served, but reservations can be made at others. See the table below for full details, or call the ADH vaccine clinic call center at 1-800-803-7847.

There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine. People should bring their insurance cards to the clinic. If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will be available at no charge.

Click here for a list of locations offering vaccinations by appointment. To get information about a vaccine provider near you call 1-800-803-7847. If you are home-bound, you may also call 1-800-803-7847 to make arrangements for someone to provide a vaccine to you in your home.

If you would like to add a community vaccination clinic to the website, please click here and complete the form.

*Please note: All clinics listed below this point are COVID-19 vaccine clinics for those ages 12 and up.

 

ADH Vaccine Clinics

Date Address City Time
01.27.22 901 Holly Street (McGehee Fire Department) McGehee 11am - 3pm
01.29.22 Oaklawn, 2705 Central Ave Hot Springs 1pm - 5pm
01.31.22 Tuckerman Food Pantry, 201.5 Hwy 367 Tuckerman 10am - 3pm
02.01.22 1392 E. Pridemore Washington 3pm - 6pm
02.02.22 44 Fireball Lane Norfork 3pm - 6:30pm
02.04.22 6275 Heber Springs Rd West Quitman 3pm - 6:30pm
02.24.22 707 Robins St, Suite 118 Conway 10am - 2pm

Health Equity Strike Team Vaccine Clinics

Date Address City Time
tbd tbd tbd tbd

Faith-Based Vaccine Clinics

Date Address City Time
02.11.22 Hunter United Methodist Church, 3301 Romine Road Little Rock 4pm - 6pm
02.12.22 Lowell Bible Church, 504 McClure Ave. Lowell 10am - 1pm
02.19.22 Marzell Missionary Baptist Church, Highway 65 Gould 11am - 3pm
02.26.22 Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 2906 E. Harding Ave. Pine Bluff 11:30am - 3pm
03.11.22 Hunter United Methodist Church, 3301 Romine Road Little Rock 4pm - 6pm

Non-ADH Vaccine Clinics

 

 

Oral Health Surveillance

Oral Health Surveillance systems are designed to measure and monitor the burden of oral disease. Data collected can be used to:

Arkansas 3rd Grade Basic Screening Survey 2019-2020

One key element to any oral health surveillance system is simple and consistent Basic Screening Survey (BSS) collection. The BSS tools were developed by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors to provide states with a consistent model for monitoring oral disease in a timely manner, at the lowest possible cost, with minimum burden on survey participants, and that will support comparisons within and between states.

Introduction

Tooth decay (cavities) is the most common disease in the United States among children. Children with untreated tooth decay can have tooth pain and infections. This can affect your child’s overall health, such as issues with eating, talking, playing, and learning.

One method to reduce the incidence of tooth decay at an early age is the application of dental sealants.

Why Is This Report Important?

This report is important to know the current oral health status of third-grade children in Arkansas.

We use the Basic Screening Survey (BSS) created by The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) to gather information. The BSS is a tool that can help us, oral health advocates, researchers, policymakers, and other partners with important information for future programs and recommendations in Arkansas.

When Did The Survey Take Place?

During the 2019-2020 school year.

Where Did The Survey Take Place?

The dental hygienists traveled to the schools and performed the oral health screening. A total of 65 schools in Arkansas took part in the BSS.

What Information Was Collected From The Students?

We gathered the BSS information from Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and the dental hygienist report to create the AR BSS Survey Collection:


About The Oral Health Condition Screening:


About The Students Who Took Part In The Survey:


Key Findings & Quick Facts:


What Did We Learn From These Results?

These results highlight the need to continue oral health interventions in Arkansas. Dental disease continues to affect the lives of many children in Arkansas. This also highlights the continued need for evidence-based practices for preventing oral disease to improve children’s oral health.

Another point this data highlighted were disparities (differences) based on race/ethnicity, geographic region (based on the Public Health Region), and house income (based on NSLP schools).

Differences between…

Group

Oral health condition concern

Possible reasons for the difference

Race/Ethnicity

Hispanic students

A high percent of decay experience
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Language barrier
  • Uninsured for dental care
  • Legal status
  • Mistrust of health professionals
  • Additional studies can  help understand why Hispanic students had more decay experience

Race/Ethnicity

African

American students

1.) A high percent of untreated decay

2.) High percent of need for dental treatment

3.) The lowest percent of dental sealants
  • Socioeconomic status
  • A difficult relationship with the medical community
  • Mistrust for medical professionals
  • Uninsured for dental care
  • Additional studies can help understand why African American students had more untreated decay and need dental treatment

Geographic area (PHR)

Northeast PHR

1.) A high percent of untreated decay

2.) High percent in need of dental treatment, the urgent need for dental

3.) Low percent for the presence of dental sealants
  • Rural region of Arkansas that has counties with a short number of dental health professionals
  • Access to a dentist is still a primary concern
  • Low oral health literacy may also affect lack of participation in sealant programs

NSLP

(socioeconomic status)

Students attending schools with 50% or more NSLP eligibility

1.) A high percent of decay experience

2.) High percent of untreated decay

3.) High percent need for dental treatment
  • Uninsured for dental care
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Access to dental care
  • Low number of dentists who participate as a Medicaid provider

How Can We Improve The BSS For Next Time?

One issue from this BSS is the percent of missing student background data from the Arkansas Department of Education. This will have to be considered in future surveys whether it would be better to collect student background and oral health screening at the same time.

What Next Steps Are We Taking Based On This BSS?

We must continue the work with oral health partners and stakeholders and strive in educating and providing resources to Arkansas communities to prevent oral health diseases, especially among those at an early age.

Recommendations for a healthy mouth include:

To read the full report, click here.

Downloads:

COVID-19 Vaccination Locations

Vaccine Clinics | Vaccine FAQ | Vaccine Plan | Forms and Resources | Volunteers
 

All Arkansans age 5 or older are now eligible to receive the vaccine.

Use the map or table below to reach out to your local pharmacy or provider to let them know you need the vaccine.

All Arkansas Department of Health Local Health units are COVID-19 Vaccination locations. Click here for your local health unit. 

All Local Health Units have the COVID-19 vaccine available for 5-11-year-olds.

A registration code is not required by ADH.

Please only contact one provider.


 

 

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

 

 

COVID-19 Guidance On Therapeutics

 


 

Monoclonal Antibodies

Early treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis

In November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the use of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients. Monoclonal antibody treatment can be used in people 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg) who are at high risk for severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death for:

Bamlanivimab/etesevimab has been authorized by the FDA for early treatment and prevention of COVID 19 in children <12 years of age including newborns.

Prioritization: UPDATED NIH TREATMENT AND PRIORITIZATION STATEMENTS FOR NON HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WHEN OMICRON IS PREDOMINANT CIRCULATING VARIANT

Attention Providers

HHS has transitioned from direct ordering of monoclonal antibodies to a state-coordinated distribution system. Hospitals and other administration sites will no longer order from AmeriSource Bergen directly. The federal government will determine the total allocation amount for each state based upon state cases and hospitalizations, and utilization as reported to HHS Protect / TeleTracking. ADH will determine which sites will receive MAbs and allocation amount.

Orders must be placed by COB each Monday. The order should be based upon the 7 day average of what your facility uses, and you should only order what you expect to use in one week. Most shipments
will go directly to your facility from Amerisource Bergen. For all new sites, or special circumstances, MAbs will come directly from ADH and delivery will be coordinated with the site.
 
ATTENTION: Click here to place a monoclonal antibody order for your site.
 
MAB Cycles:

​​There are multiple REGEN-COV packaging variations (co-formulated, non-co-formulated doses).  Please verify package inserts upon delivery and follow proper administration procedures for the version your site received.  Additionally, all REGEN-COV products can be administered via intravenous infusion and/or subcutaneous injections.

**1/25/22, the government announced no further shipments of BAM/ETE or REGEN-COV for current and future cycles. FDA no longer recommends the use of Regeneron-COV and BAM/ETE.  Please see this link for the latest update regarding therapeutics.

**NOTE**:  No product returns will be accepted at this time; HHS has directed all facilities keep their stock on hand until we receive further guidance.

Oral antivirals

Ritonavir boosted nirmatrelavir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir were approved under EUA by the FDA for treatment of early COVID 19 infection. These treatments should be given within the first 5 days of symptom onset.  Initial distribution of these oral medications is limited to selected sites and further sites will continue to be added.

Paxlovid and molnupiravir may only be prescribed for an individual patient by physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants that are licensed or authorized under state law to prescribe drugs in the therapeutic class to which these drugs belong (i.e., anti-infectives).

**ORAL ANTIVIRAL TREATMENTS ARE DRIVE-THRU OR CURBSIDE ONLY! PLEASE DO NOT ENTER STORES!**

Cycles:

Pre Exposure Prophylaxis

A new monoclonal antibody (tixagevimab/cilgavimab) for the prevention of COVID-19 has been authorized by the FDA under EUA that may be used in immunocompromised patients and patients who have a medical contraindication to receiving a vaccine for COVID-19. Medical conditions or treatments that may result in moderate to severe immune compromise and an inadequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination include but are not limited to:

Attention providers

Evusheld Cycles:

Orders must be placed by COB each Tuesday. The order should be based upon the 7 day average of what your facility uses, and you should only order what you expect to use in one week. Most shipments will go directly to your facility from Amerisource Bergen. For all new sites, or special circumstances, MAbs will come directly from ADH and delivery will be coordinated with the site.
 

Locations in Arkansas Receiving COVID-19 Therapeutics

Resources:

 

 
 

Public Health Reporting

Click here to report COVID-19
 

CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement

Please click here or use the link below to submit a COVID-19 provider agreement form to the Arkansas Department of Health. You can also print a CDC provider agreement form here to help you gather the necessary information, but you must enter the data into the electronic form in order to submit it to ADH.

The video below has additional information about the process.

 
 

Office of Performance Management Quality Improvement and Evaluation (OPMQIE)

Performance Management System | Quality Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan
State Health Assessment | State Health Improvement Plan | Workforce Development Plan

 

  

“By improving both performance and quality, public health systems save lives, cut costs, and get better results”
– Public Health Foundation.

Administration Unit
ADH Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bala Simon
Director Rupa Sharma
Quality Assurance Analyst Jasmin White
Performance Management Unit
Performance Manager Susan Brouk
Quality Improvement Unit
Quality Improvement Manager Heather Parker-Foster
Evaluation Unit
Public Health Evaluator Rupa Sharma
Public Health Evaluator Dr. Sharada Sarah Adolph
Public Health Evaluator vacant

Quality Improvement

OPMQIE | Performance Management System | Strategic Plan
State Health Assessment | State Health Improvement Plan | Workforce Development Plan

 

"Quality Improvement focuses on the process to help bring services to the next level with the aim to improve the overall health of a community." - Public Health Foundation

We can successfully achieve the goals and objectives of the Performance Management System through the commitment of all ADH staff by continually improving our work in the agency. This is referred to as a CULTURE of Continuous Quality Improvement, which is shared across all levels of the agency including Section, Branch, Center, and the executive leadership.

The CQI promises to continuously examine processes, systems, and programs for potential improvements and to implement improvement initiatives. See below for a snapshot of ADH’s QI/CQI Action Plan.

The ADH has developed a Quality Improvement Plan to guide the QI/CQI initiatives. Please click here to access the full 2020-2022 Quality Improvement Plan.

Workforce Development

OPMQIE | Performance Management System | State Health Assessment |
State Health Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan | Quality Improvement Plan

 

One of the attributes that help our Agency achieve the goals of the Performance Management system and its constituent components is a trained/skilled workforce. The Arkansas Department of Health, on an ongoing basis, provides training and education to its employees to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Utilizing the results of the 2017 Association of State and Territorial Officers Public Health Workforce Interest and Needs Survey as well as a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis by an ADH internal workforce development workgroup, a comprehensive Workforce Development Plan has been developed.

The Plan roadmaps the agencies’ goals and objectives to maintain a skilled workforce that is prepared to deliver public health essential services and respond to public health emergencies. In addition to these goals and objectives, the Plan also identifies resources, roles, and responsibilities that are required to successfully implement it. Five goals (listed below) and eleven objectives for addressing training and development needs were identified.

Please click here to access the 2020-2025 Workforce Development Plan.

State Strategic Plan

OPMQIE | Performance Management System | Quality Improvement Plan
State Health Assessment | State Health Improvement Plan | Workforce Development Plan

 

The Interim COVID-19 Strategic Plan, 2020-2022, reflects the public health priorities of the Arkansas Department of Health to protect Arkansans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

During 2019-2020, the Arkansas Department of Health held a five-month-long exercise, involving over 70 people from the Agency and the community partners to identify public health priorities and update the 2016-2019 Strategic Plan. All employees participated in a Planning Survey to provide input on what health outcomes and health behaviors the agency should focus on. With their feedback and by using the 2020 State Health Assessment Report, the planning teams identified eight primary focus areas for the plan.

The next step of this exercise was to identify measurable objectives and work plans to operationalize the established goals. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agency’s immediate priorities changed. The leadership decided to develop an interim plan to provide directions to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the goals, strategies, objectives, and measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic were incorporated within the primary focus areas identified by the planning teams. This would help the Agency to make a smooth transition into developing the standard strategic plan after the pandemic is over.

The icons below represent the primary focus areas of the 2020-2022 Strategic plan.

Please click here to access the full 2020-2022 Interim Strategic Plan.

State Health Improvement

OPMQIE | Performance Management System | State Health Assessment |
Strategic Plan | Workforce Development Plan | Quality Improvement Plan

 

The State Health Improvement Plan is a long-term, systematic plan to address issues identified in the State Health Assessment. Its purpose is to describe how ADH in collaboration with its community partners, will work together to improve the health of all Arkansans.

The State Health Improvement Plan will help all partners establish priorities for action and aid in the development and implementation of programs and policies. It will also help the Agency identify the best use of resources in achieving public health goals.

To improve efficiency, primarily the timeliness in updating data/information and progress, the State Health Improvement Plan has been developed in the Scorecard format.

Since the Scorecard contains layers of information, tools have been created to assist users.

A brief PowerPoint presentation provides basic guidance on how to navigate through the SHIP Scorecard.

Click here for the digital scorecard.

State Health Assessment

OPMQIE | Performance Management System | Quality Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan
State Health Improvement Plan | Workforce Development Plan

 

For the first time, the State Health Assessment report is accompanied by an electronic ‘Scorecard’ which illustrates data trends for many of the issues highlighted in the report. This scorecard provides historical data to illustrate how the health issues have evolved over time and what the current trends are. Unlike the report, the Scorecard primarily presents data in graphics and sometimes tabular formats, highlighting multiple-year trends of behaviors, diseases, and deaths.

Since the Scorecard does not provide an extensive narrative and the illustrations contain layers of information, tools have been created to assist users.

A brief PowerPoint presentation provides basic guidance on how to navigate through any Scorecard.

A more detailed video provides comprehensive guidance on how to navigate through the State Health Assessment Scorecard.

Performance Management System

OPMQIE Homepage | Quality Improvement Plan | Strategic Plan
State Health Assessment | State Health Improvement Plan | Workforce Development Plan

 

Performance Management is a systematic process that helps an organization achieve its mission and strategic goals by improving effectiveness, empowering employees, and streamlining decision making - Public Health Foundation.
The Performance Management System of the Arkansas Department of Health consists of the following interrelated components as shown in the diagram.

 

Performance Measures

Identification and use of appropriate measures are essential functions of the Performance Management System. The measures help monitor the effectiveness of programs, policies, and processes within the performance areas.

The ADH performance measures will be routinely updated by the Performance Management Committee members with new data/information, within their areas. Please refer to the performance goal areas and the active committee members listed below. The progress will be reported to the key personnel and the Public Health Accreditation Board.

Click here to find out more about the process that OPMQIE followed to select ADH’s eight performance goal areas and the measures within each area.

COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

COVID-19 Vaccination Locations | Vaccine Clinics | Vaccine FAQ | Vaccine Plan | Forms and Resources | Volunteers

 

Though the development of a COVID-19 vaccine has followed an accelerated timeline, safety has been the top priority.

Who is eligible to get the vaccine in Arkansas?

All Arkansans age 5 or older are now eligible to receive the vaccine.

How can I get the vaccine?

Eligible Arkansans can make an appointment at a community pharmacy. Vaccine clinics and events may also be available in your area through hospitals, health care providers, or your worksite. Click here for a list of clinics. For those who work in education, the district, facility, or college/university should determine how many doses are needed, and then reach out to an ADH Local Health Unit or a community pharmacy to schedule a vaccination clinic. Call 1-800-803-7847 for assistance finding a vaccine in your area or to sign up for an ADH clinic.

Arkansans who receive a COVID-19 vaccine following the effective date of May 26, 2021, are eligible to receive an incentive for getting vaccinated. To learn more about the incentives, click here.

When can I get a booster shot?

 

Q: Who is eligible to get a booster?
A: For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, boosters are recommended for those who are 12 and older at least five months after receiving their primary series.

For individuals who received a Moderna vaccine, boosters are recommended for those who are 18 and older at least five months after receiving their primary series.

For those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and received a Pfizer or Moderna primary series, an additional dose is recommended 28 days after their second dose. The booster dose should then be given five months after their additional (third) dose. Moderately or severely immunocompromised 5-11-year-olds should receive an additional primary dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days after their second shot.

For individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 and older and were vaccinated at least two months ago.

Q: Will booster shots be the same formulation as existing vaccines?
A: Yes, COVID-19 booster shots are the same formulation as the current COVID-19 vaccines. However, in the case of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, it is half the dose of the vaccine people get for their initial series.

Q: Can people mix and match vaccine brands for their booster shot?
A: Eligible individuals 18 and older may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose, regardless of the initial vaccine originally received. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. Those ages 12-17 should only receive Pfizer for their booster, as it is the only one authorized for their age. If you have lost your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card or don’t have a copy, contact your vaccination provider directly to access your vaccination record. Additional information about your COVID-19 vaccine record can be found here.

 

Resources for Public

Resources for Health Care Workers
Pharmacies providing vaccine to health care workers in phase 1A

Resources for Providers

 

ASBAT - Filing a Complaint

Overview of Responsibilities

The board is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints placed against athletic trainers and has authority to conduct investigations, enforce regulations and impose sanctions when a violation of law or regulation has occurred.

The Handling of Complaints

The Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training receives complaints against its licensees and will determine if the complaint falls within its jurisdiction. If the complaint is within the board’s jurisdiction, an investigation will be conducted.

The Complainant is notified of the board’s decision on each complaint. You should note, however, that the proper conduct of an investigation can be a time-consuming process and it may be several months before the investigation is completed and a decision is reached.

If a violation of the law or regulation has occurred, the board may give the licensee an opportunity to come into compliance with the law or regulation, or the board may determine that other action is necessary. If there is no violation of law or regulation, the file on the complaint is closed.

If the investigation should result in a formal hearing, the board may subpoena persons to testify at that hearing if it is believed that their testimony is essential to the case.

Filing a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted on the complaint form. It is important that you include as much fact as is available, including such things as the date(s) of the alleged action, the licensee’s full name and address, the exact nature of the complaint, the names of other individuals who might be involved and their relationship to the complaint, as well as any other information which will assist in the investigation.

The board will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, may contact you for additional information and will notify you of the board’s decision concerning the complaint.

ASBAT - Licenses and Forms

Licenses:

Forms:

ASBAT - Board Information

The Board is composed of five members appointed by the Governor for terms of three years. Four members are athletic trainers licensed to engage in athletic training in the state of Arkansas. One member is a consumer who is not actively engaged in or retired from the practice of athletic training, medicine, physical therapy, or employment by an athletic department of an accredited educational institution. This member is a full voting member.

Board Members
Ronald J. Carroll, AT, Chairman
Terry DeWitt, AT, Secretary/Treasurer
Chris Turnage, Public Member
Sherry Riggins, AT
Timothy Atkinson, AT
Joe West, Assistant, Attorney General, Attorney for the Board
Russell Burns, Executive Director

Upcoming meetings are posted here.

Minutes: For Board minutes earlier than 2019, contact the Athletic Training Board office:

Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training

The Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training was created by Act 1124 of 2001. Prior to that time, a committee appointed by the Governor worked with the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy to license and regulate the activities of Athletic Trainers.

The Board is a licensing and regulatory organization created to issue licenses for athletic training and to uphold the standards prescribed by statute to protect the health of the public.

Roster:

Resources:

Rules:

Staff
Russell Burns, Director
Office Address Phone
Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training 4815 W. Markham St., Slot 73
Little Rock, AR 72205		 (501) 683-4076

ASBPT - Disciplinary Action

From May 28, 2009 to Present

ASBPT - Continuing Education

Please select a form below to view and print:

Continuing Education Procedures

I. Requirements:

II. Jurisprudence Exam:

III. Approval of CEU Programs:

IV. Content of CEU Programs/College Courses for CEUs:

V. Failure to Comply

ASBPT - Filing a Complaint

Overview of Responsibilities

The board is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints placed against physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and has authority to conduct investigations, enforce regulations and impose sanctions when a violation of law or regulation has occurred.

The Handling of Complaints

The Board of Physical Therapy receives complaints against its licensees and will determine if the complaint falls within its jurisdiction. If the complaint is within the board's jurisdiction, an investigation will be conducted.

The Complainant is notified of the board's decision on each complaint. You should note, however, that the proper conduct of an investigation can be a time-consuming process and it may be several months before the investigation is completed and a decision is reached.

If a violation of the law or regulation has occurred, the board may give the licensee an opportunity to come into compliance with the law or regulation, or the board may determine that other action is necessary. If there is no violation of law or regulation, the file on the complaint is closed.

If the investigation should result in a formal hearing, the board may subpoena persons to testify at that hearing if it is believed that their testimony is essential to the case.

Filing a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted on the enclosed complaint form. It is important that you include as much fact as is available, including such things as the date(s) of the alleged action, the licensee's full name and address, the exact nature of the complaint, the names of other individuals who might be involved and their relationship to the complaint, as well as any other information which will assist in the investigation.

The board will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, may contact you for additional information and will notify you of the board's decision concerning the complaint.

ASBPT - License Verification

If you did not find the licensee you were looking for please check the Physical Therapist Compact Commission Verification Webpage to see if the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant holds a compact privilege in Arkansas. For the Physical Therapist Compact Commission Verification Webpage, please click https://purchase.ptcompact.org/Verify.

ASBPT - Forms and Links

Please select a form below to view and print:

Links

ASBPT - Online Services

ASBPT - Rules

ASBPT - Applying for Licensure

Please select a file below to view and print:

ASBPT - Board Information

The Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor for three year terms. Four of those members are to be from each congressional district in order to provide statewide representation of physical therapists. One member shall not be engaged in or retired from the practice of physical therapy and shall serve as the representative of the public interest. This is a voting member but shall not participate in examination administration.

The Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy was created by Act 1232 of 1991. Prior to that time licensing was by the Arkansas Medical Board.

The Board is a licensing and regulatory organization created to protect the public from incompetent, unprofessional and unlawful practice of physical therapy. Laws are established to set forth standards for the practice of physical therapy, continuing education and testing, and to define the scope and limitations of practice. The board receives, investigates and adjudicates complaints against licensees. The most important function of the board is consumer protection.

Board Members
Sam Denton, PT Member
Velvet Medlock, PT Member
Rob Jordan, PT Member
Rob Tillman, PT Member
Don Pierce, Public Member
Sara Farris, Attorney for the Board
Staff Members
Nancy Worthen, Executive Director
Lyndsey R. Kinsey, Administrative Specialist III

Minutes: For board minutes earlier than 2020, contact the ASBPT office.

Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy

Criminal Background Checks

Effective February 20, 2020, the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy will implement fingerprint-based criminal background checks under ArCA §17-93-303(b) and ArCA §17-93-304(b). This requirement will apply to all new applicants and reinstatements as of February 20, 2020. Please review the applications for licensure form and reinstatement form for instructions pertaining to this new requirement.

Physical Therapy Licensure Compact

The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PTLC) is a state-based solution to the challenges of interstate licensure portability for physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs). It will improve patient access to physical therapy services by giving eligible licensees in participating states a faster, less expensive alternative to traditional licensure.

On March 5, 2019, Governor Hutchinson signed into law HB 1421, which establishes the Interstate Physical Therapy Licensure Compact in Arkansas. The PT Compact Commission has continued to work on establishing the various systems necessary to issue Compact Privileges and Arkansas will actively issue and accept Compact Privileges beginning February 28, 2020.

The Compact Commission has set a fee of $45, and the Arkansas fee of $50 was adopted by the Arkansas Board on July 18, 2019, to be effective after new Rules are adopted.

Information regarding the availability of compact privileges and the procedure for applying for a privilege is available online at www.ptcompact.org.

Individuals applying for a compact privilege to Arkansas must pass the AR state Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. The exam is to be completed on the Board's website.

Board Staff
Nancy Worthen, Executive Director
Lyndsey R. Kinsey, Administrative Specialist III

Board Meetings:

Rules

Resources:

Office Address Phone Fax
Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy

Mailing:
P.O. Box 250254
Little Rock, AR 72225

Physical:
Freeway Medical Building
Suite 100, Office A103
Freeway Slot #16
Little Rock, AR 72204

 (501) 228-7100 (501) 228-0294
 

ABESPA - About

The Board is comprised of seven members. These include professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology (at least 2 from each field), a consumer representative, and a senior citizen representative. The members are appointed by the Governor for three-year terms and may serve two full consecutive terms. Board members may be reimbursed for expenses, but otherwise receive no compensation.

Current Board Members Location Term Expiration
Elizabeth Williams
MS, CCC-SLP
Board Chairperson		 Fayetteville, AR 6.30.20
Aimee Cloud
MS, CCC-SLP
Treasurer		 Conway, AR 6.30.20
Dr. Andrea Sieczkowski
Board Member		 Maumelle, AR 6.30.22
Geraldine Sterling
MS, CCC-SLP
Vice-Chair		 Little Rock, AR 6.30.21
Dr. Randall Cummings
Senior Representative		 Hot Springs Village, AR  6.30.22
Dr. Zachary Ward
Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA
Board Member		 Little Rock, AR 6.30.21

*New Position Available: Consumer Representative

Board Meetings: All meetings are at 9am via Teams​

ABESPA - Disciplinary Action

What is the Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA)?

The Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) was created by the Arkansas Legislature to safeguard the public’s health, safety, and welfare. ABESPA is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of speech-language pathology and audiology practice.

Individuals who seek the provisions of speech-language pathology and audiology services are entitled to receive quality care. In pursuit of that goal the Board’s mission is to assure a process is provided by which consumers may file complaints against licensees or persons practicing speech-language pathology or audiology without a license.

Who can/should file a complaint?

A complaint should be filed by anyone who believes that an individual has acted illegally, irresponsibly, or unprofessionally in providing care to a client. The most effective complaints are those that contain verifiable, firsthand information. The Board cannot act on anonymous complaints. To that end all complaints must include a signature.

What types of complaints does ABESPA handle?

What types of complaints are outside of ABESPA’s jurisdiction?

How do I file a complaint?

A complaint must be submitted in writing and signed before it can be processed. Individuals who file complaints are notified in writing of the status of their complaint throughout the process.

When submitting a complaint, a statement should be provided in the individuals own words, which explains the nature of their complaint. Provide as much detail as possible as well as any copies of documents, such as patient records, photographs, contracts, correspondence, etc. that can be used as evidence. Original copies should not be provided. Dates, times, and the type of service received should be included when possible. It is not necessary to cite sections of the law that have allegedly been violated.

How are complaints processed?

Notification of the receipt of the complaint will be mailed to the complainant. While confidential and not public record, the board must disclose information to the licensee regarding the complaint. Licensees who are named in the complaint are given 30 days to respond to any accusations.

Complaints are reviewed by board members at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The board may dispose of the complaint informally through correspondence or conference or may forward the complaint to an investigation officer.

If forwarded to an investigator, that investigator may contact the complainant during the course of the investigation.

Are licensees required to report unprofessional conduct by colleagues?

The ABESPA Code of Ethics mandates that the licensee is responsible for reporting alleged misrepresentation or violation of the act or rules to the Board.

Resources:

ABESPA - Consumer Information

HOME | LICENSEES | APPLICANTS | CONSUMER INFORMATION | ABOUT
LICENSE SEARCH | ONLINE CE INPUT | ONLINE LICENSE RENEWAL

 

What is the Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA)?

The Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) was created by the Arkansas Legislature to safeguard the public’s health, safety, and welfare. ABESPA is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of speech-language pathology and audiology practice.

Individuals who seek speech-language pathology and audiology services are entitled to receive quality care. In pursuit of that goal, the Board’s mission is to assure there is a process where consumers may file complaints against licensees or persons practicing speech-language pathology or audiology without a license.

What does the Board Do?

Audiologists

Who is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are healthcare professionals who provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for people of all ages. Hearing and balance disorders are complex with medical, psychological, physical, social, educational, and employment implications. Those hearing and balance disorders can be assessed, treated, and rehabilitated by an audiologist. Treatment services require audiologists to have knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, as well as interpersonal skills to counsel and guide patients and their family members through the rehabilitative process. Audiologists provide professional and personalized services to minimize the negative impact of hearing and balance disorders, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life.

What does an Audiologist do?

Requirements for Licensing

Speech-Language Pathologists

Who is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, a cleft palate, or autism spectrum disorders.

What do Speech-Language Pathologists do?

Requirements for Licensing

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

Who is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

Speech-language pathology assistants are individuals who, following academic and on-the-job training, perform tasks as prescribed, directed, and supervised by licensed speech-language pathologists.

What does Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant do?

Requirements for Licensing

SLPA Licensing Information

Helpful Consumer Links

ABESPA - Application Information

HOME | LICENSEES | APPLICANTS | CONSUMER INFORMATION | ABOUT
LICENSE SEARCH | ONLINE CE INPUT | ONLINE LICENSE RENEWAL

 

Upon initial licensure, an applicant is granted a grace period to work while his/her initial application is being processed. Upon receipt of a completed application packet, a letter will be sent to the applicant granting the grace period. Below are the licensure requirements listed by licensure type.

In order to apply for licensure, you may complete an application online then mail it in with the $100.00 application fee via check or money order, as well as the required documentation listed below. Transcripts and Verifications of Licensure must remain in a sealed envelope.

Below are the requirements listed by license type:

Important Documents:

ABESPA - Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

In Arkansas, a registration process is used to recognize and approve the use of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and Aides in all settings. Individuals who wish to work as a speech-language pathology assistant or a speech-language pathology aide must register with his/her supervising speech-language pathologist with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA), or the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). The setting where the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant will be used dictates which agency the individuals register with:

Once the appropriate application is completed and approved, the names of the supervising SLP, SLP-Assistant, and SLP-Aide are placed on a registration list by each agency and all lists are submitted to ABESPA. Individuals registering with ABESPA are approved through June 30 and must re-register by July 1 each year. Individuals registering with ADE are approved through August 31 and must re-register by September 1 each year.

A registration number is assigned to the SLP-Assistant and a memo with this number is provided each time the SLP-Assistant registers or renews registration. This memo verifies that the SLP-Assistant is registered and can be submitted to Medicaid. In the future, if an individual registers with another agency, the initial registration number will be used.

Resources:

Helpful links for SLP-A registration information:

ABESPA - Licensee Renewal Information

HOME | LICENSEES | APPLICANTS | CONSUMER INFORMATION | ABOUT
LICENSE SEARCH | ONLINE CE INPUT | ONLINE LICENSE RENEWAL

 

*Looking for SLPA-Related information, click here.

Renewal Information

Renewal notices are electronically sent annually in April. All licenses shall be renewed annually by July 15, to avoid delinquent renewal fees. Please remember all licenses expire on June 30th of each year.

Mailed Renewals

Renewals that are mailed to the Board office will be processed as quickly as possible. Remember they must be postmarked by July 15th or be considered delinquent. If you wish to confirm that we have received your renewal documentation, we recommend sending it via certified mail.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

CPEs shall consist of a series of planned learning experiences beyond the educational programs that have led to the degree that qualifies one for licensure. The licensee must participate in CPE activities of at least ten (10) clock hours for each license period (July 1 through June 30 of each year). At least five (5) of these hours must be in Content Area I. Dual licensees must complete fifteen (15) clock hours with a minimum of five (5) hours in each discipline from Content Area I. Renewal of a license shall be contingent upon the licensee fulfilling the CPE requirements, submitting an annual CPE report, and maintaining evidence for possible audit.

Provisional and full licensees are not required to complete a report of continuing professional education and will not be audited during the initial licensing year, but will need to submit the report to document a minimum of ten (10) hours for the next licensing period (7/1 to 6/30). There is no exemption for the year in which the provisional license is converted to a full license unless it occurs in the initial licensing year.

Full instructions including definitions of content areas and audit information can be found in Section 9 of the rules and regulations.

Audits

Annually, the Board will select licensees for audit. Audits are randomly selected and licensees will be notified by mail. Licensees who are audited are required to submit verification of CPE’s submitted, including information regarding date, the content of course, and number of hours.

Inactive Status

Inactive status is available for licensees who wish to no longer practice in the state of Arkansas. To apply for inactive status the licensee must hold a license that is active. If inactive status is requested more than 30 days after expiration, late fees will apply. Requests for inactive status must be made to the Board in writing.

Delinquent Renewals

Delinquent renewals will be accepted by the board through the mail. A licensee is considered delinquent if it is postmarked after July 15, and a late fee will apply. In order to renew after July 15, a licensee must contact the Board to receive the additional required documentation.

Resources:

Important Documents:

Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

HOME | LICENSEES | APPLICANTS | CONSUMER INFORMATION | ABOUT
LICENSE SEARCH | ONLINE CE INPUT | ONLINE LICENSE RENEWAL

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Updated Rules:

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Arkansas State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is revising Section 13 of its rule regarding the registration, practice, and supervision requirements applicable to speech-language pathology assistants. The Board invites public comment on the proposed rule changes and the comments received to date.

The proposed changes to Section 13 and the comments are available on the Board’s webpage or you may contact the Board to obtain a written copy by email at abespa@arkansas.gov or by phone at 501-537-9151.

The public comment period will begin January 28, 2022, and conclude on February 28, 2022. Written comments from the public should be emailed to abespa@arkansas.gov or mailed to the Board at 4815 W. Markham St., Slot 72 Little Rock, AR 72205. The Board will discuss any comments received at their next public meeting, which will be scheduled following the conclusion of the public comment period. Comments must be received in advance of the meeting in order to be considered by the Board. If you wish to sign up for meeting notifications, please contact the Board via email at abespa@arkansas.gov or by phone at 501-537-9151.

Announcements & Resources:

Are You?

The function of the Board is to examine the credentials and qualifications of Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, and Audiologists who wish to provide services to the people of Arkansas, and to issue licenses or registration to those individuals who meet the standards set forth in §17-100-101 et seq. The Board acts on behalf of consumers by handling complaints to ensure that quality speech-language pathology and audiology services are delivered to the public.

Office Address Phone
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology 4815 W. Markham, Slot 72
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867		 501-537-9151

ASBN - Spouse

For purposes of Arkansas licensure, a spouse is an individual who is currently married to an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran.

There are several situations in which a spouse would need licensure information; each situation below identifies services available in each of these circumstances.

Situation 1:

Are you the spouse of an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran and do you already have a nursing license in Arkansas?

Renewal Application Information 

You will submit the appropriate Renewal Licensure Application.  During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will have a choice to select either “Yes, Spouse of uniformed service member” or “Yes, Spouse of uniformed service veteran”.

You will need to upload supporting documents.

Supporting documents for the spouse of a uniformed service member include one of the following:

Supporting documents for a spouse of a uniformed veterans include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 1

Situation 2:

Are you the spouse of an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran and do you already have a nursing license in another state?

Licensure by Endorsement: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Endorsement Application. During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks, “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?"

You will have a choice to select either “Yes, Spouse of a uniformed service member” or “Yes, Spouse of a uniformed service veteran”.

You will need to upload supporting documents.

Supporting documents for the spouse of a uniformed service member include one of the following:

Supporting documents for a spouse of a uniformed include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 2

Situation 3:

Are you the spouse of an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran? Are you a recent nursing education program graduate that has not taken the licensure examination?

Licensure by Exam: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Initial by Exam Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will have a choice to select either “Yes, Spouse of a uniformed service member” or “Yes, Spouse of a uniformed service veteran”.

You will need to upload supporting documents.

Supporting documents for the spouse of a uniformed service member include one of the following:

Supporting documents for a spouse of uniformed include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 3

ASBN - Uniformed Service Veteran

For purposes of Arkansas licensure, a uniformed service veteran is an individual who is a former member of the United States uniformed services discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

There are several situations in which a uniformed service veteran would need licensure information; each situation below identifies services available in each of these circumstances.

Situation 1:

Are you a uniformed service veteran that has been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and do you already have a nursing license in Arkansas?

Renewal Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Renewal Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will select “Yes, Uniformed service veteran.”

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 1

Situation 2:

Are you a uniformed service veteran that has been honorably discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and do you already have a nursing license in another state?

Licensure by Endorsement: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Endorsement Application. During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will select “Yes, Uniformed service veteran.”

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Certificate of Release; or

Support Services available in Situation 2

Situation 3:

Are you a recent nursing education program graduate that has not taken the licensure examination? And, are you a uniformed service veteran that has been under conditions other than dishonorable?

Licensure by Exam: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Initial by Exam Licensure Application.  During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will select “Yes, uniformed service veteran."

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:


Resources:

 

Uniformed Service Education, Training, Experience, or Service–Issued Credential

Arkansas State Board of Nursing allows an individual who has graduated from one of the listed military programs, to submit application and sit for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) NCLEX®. If an individual is already licensed, refer to endorsement of a license. 

Support Services available in Situation 3

ASBN - Uniformed Service Member

For purposes of Arkansas licensure, a uniformed service member is an individual who is currently serving in an active or reserve status in the United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Coast Guard, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Space Force, or National Guard; an active member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps; or an active or reserve member of the United States Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.

There are several situations in which a uniformed service member would need licensure information; each situation below identifies services available in each of these circumstances.

Situation 1:

Are you a uniformed service member member and do you already have a nursing license in Arkansas?

Renewal Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Renewal Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

You will have a choice to select either “Yes, Uniformed service member – I elect to Waive the Application fee” or “Yes, Uniformed service member – I elect to PAY the Application fee.”

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Are you a uniformed service member and do you already have a nursing license in another state?

Licensure by Endorsement: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Endorsement Application. During the process of completing your application, you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

Please select “Yes, Uniformed service member."

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Support Services available in Situation 2

Situation 3:

Are you a recent nursing education program graduate that has not taken the licensure examination? And, are you a uniformed service member?

Licensure by Exam: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Initial by Exam Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active or reserve uniformed service member or uniformed service veteran?”

Please select “Yes, Uniformed service member.”

You will need to upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

Uniformed Service Education, Training, Experience, or Service–Issued Credential

Arkansas State Board of Nursing allows an individual who has graduated from one of the listed military programs, to submit application and sit for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) NCLEX®. If an individual is already licensed, refer to the endorsement of a license.

Support Services available in Situation 3

ASBN - Military

Introduction

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) is committed to honoring the service of active and reserve uniformed service members, uniformed service veterans and their families. ASBN recognizes that these individuals experience unique challenges during the nursing licensure process. We strive to enhance the licensure process by streamlining certain services to qualified individuals. Several licensure support services are offered once all required documents are received; services include but are not limited to expedited temporary permit licensure and preferential processing during the issuance of a permanent license.

The information listed on this site identifies additional support services to assist in understanding the laws associated with respective military designation, streamlining licensure process, obtaining Arkansas licensure, and availability of other important resources.


Military Designation

In addition to the information listed on this page, click the respective link below for information related to an individual’s specific military designation status.


Associated Arkansas Nurse Practice Act (NPA) & Rules

As mandated by Act 135 of 2021, Act 820 of the 2019, and Act 248 of the 2017 Arkansas legislative sessions, the ASBN has adopted rules to assist active and reserve uniformed service members, uniformed service veterans, and their spouses in obtaining nursing licensure.

Note: An Arkansas uniformed service member nurse that is being deployed outside the state can upload to nurse portal account, a request for review of expiration date extension and waiver of continuing education requirements. Also upload deployment orders.

Click here to access Arkansas NPA & Rules in their entirety.


Licensure Portability Between States

In order to practice nursing in Arkansas, an individual is required to be licensed. Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to have one multistate license, with the privilege to practice physically, electronically or telephonically in both their home state (Primary State of Residence or PSOR) and other states that have joined the NLC. APRNs are not issued a license under the NLC.

There is specific licensure information that should be reviewed:


Educational Opportunities

Resources

Active and reserve uniformed service members, uniformed service veterans and their spouse can find helpful information using the links below.

ASBN - APRN Renewal Post Expiration (Late)

This application is for nurses that wish to renew an existing inactive/expired Arkansas APRN license. It is NOT an application for on time renewal new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state. The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the renewal application process.

Read the instruction and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process.

Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process.

General Instructions

  1. APRN Late Renewal Application
    • No application is complete until all required documentation (if applicable) and fees are received.
  2. Fee Information
    • Click here for current fees.
    • The accepted method of payment is with credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover).
    • Verify that the charges are correct before submitting application.
    • ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE.
    • Late renewal fees are added to regular renewal fee.
    • You will receive a payment receipt by email which should be printed as proof of payment.
  3. APRN licensure requirements include:
    • Maintenance of National Certification related to you area of certification, and
    • Active unencumbered Arkansas RN license OR active unencumbered multistate compact RN license.
    • If out of practice greater than two (2) years a refresher course or extensive orientation is required.
    • If you have Prescriptive Authority, additional requirements include five (5) hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in your area of APRN certification within the last two (2) years. Note: Two (2) of the five (5) hours must contain information related to maintaining professional boundaries, and the prescribing rules, regulation and laws that apply to APRN’s in Arkansas. The link to this MANDATORY course is located on the ASBN website at www.arsbn.org. Click on the Advanced Practice tab and then click the Continuing Education Mandatory button.

ASBN - RN Approved Baccalaureate Degree Programs

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY 
School of Nursing
P. O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Phone: (870) 680-8201; Fax: (870) 972-2954
www.astate.edu 
Dr. Mollie Manning, Chair
E-mail:mmanning@astate.edu

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Department of Nursing
Dean Hall
Russellville, AR 72801-2222
Phone: (479) 968-0383; Fax: (479) 968-0219
www.atu.edu 
Dr. Shelly Daily, Chair
Email:sdaily@atu.edu

HARDING UNIVERSITY 
College of Nursing
Box 12265
Searcy, AR 72149-0001
Phone: (501) 279-4476; Fax: (501) 279-4669
www.harding.edu 
Dr. Susan Kehl, Dean
Email: skehl@harding.edu

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY 
Department of Nursing
HSU Box 7803 
Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001
Phone: (870) 230-5015; Fax: (870) 230-5390
www.hsu.edu 
Dr. Shelly Austin, Chair
Email: austins@hsu.edu

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY
2000 West University Street
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Phone: (479) 524-1646; Fax:  (479) 524-7441
www.jbu.edu 
Dr. Janet Gardner, Director
Email: jgardner@jbu.edu

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY 
Department of Nursing
100 E.University MSC9402
Magnolia, AR 71753
Phone: (870) 235-4331; Fax: (870) 235-5058
www.saumag.edu 
Dr. Karen Landry. Chair
Email: KarenLandry@saumag.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
606 N. Razorback Road                                                                            
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 575-4280; Fax:  (479) 575-3218
www.uark.edu
Dr. Susan Patton, Director
Email:  skpatton@uark.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FORT SMITH
Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing
5210 Grand Avenue      College of Health Sciences Office 207
Fort Smith, AR 72913
Phone: (479) 788-7844; Fax:  (479) 424-6831
www.uafs.edu
Paula D. Julian, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, CPN Associate Professor, Executive Director of Nursing
Email: Paula.Julian@uafs.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO
Division of Nursing
P. O. Box 3606
Monticello, AR 71656-3606
Phone: (870) 460-1069; Fax:  (870) 460-1969
www.uamont.edu 
Dr. Brandy Haley, Dean
Email: haley@uamont.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF
1200 University Drive #4973
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Phone: (870) 575-7076; Fax: (870) 575-8229
www.uapb.edu 
Dr. Kymberly Beard, Chair
Email: beardk@uapb.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES 
College of Nursing
4301 W. Markham, Slot 529
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-8493; Fax:  (501) 686-7998
www.nursing.uams.edu 
Dr. Patricia Cowan, Dean
Email: pacowan@uams.edu
Nicole Ward, BSN Program Director
Email:  nnward@uams.edu
Larronda Raney, RN - BSN Director
Email:  lmraney@uams.edu

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS 
Department of Nursing
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
Phone: (501) 450-5531; Fax: (501) 450-5560
www.uca.edu/nursing 
Dr. Susan Gatto, Director
Email: Susang@uca.edu

ASBN - Post-Baccalaureate Programs

 

Contact Info

Degrees offered

Arkansas State University
Department of Nursing
P.O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Phone: 870.972.3074

MSN
DNP
Post-master’s certificate

Arkansas Tech University
Department of Nursing
Dean Hall 126
402 West O St
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: 479.968.0383

MSN

Harding University
Carr College of Nursing
Box 12265
Searcy, AR 72149
Phone: 501.279.4859

MSN
Post-master’s certificate
Master’s Entry into Practice (RN)

Henderson State University
College of Nursing
HSU Box 7803
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: 870.230.5378

MSN

University of Arkansas
Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
606 Razorback Rd
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: 479.575.4280

MSN
DNP

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
College of Nursing
4301 W Markham, Slot 529
Rahn Building, Suite 5234
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501.686.5224

MNSc
DNP
PhD
Post-master’s certificate

University of Central Arkansas
Department of Nursing
201 Donaghey Ave
Conway, AR 72035
Phone: 501.450.3119

MSN
DNP
Post-master’s certificate

ASBN - CE Broker

CE Broker is the official CE tracking system of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The Board has provided you with a free Basic Account, so you have their helpful education tracking tools right at your fingertips. The license renewal process and CE requirements have not changed and at this time the use of CE Broker is not mandatory.

CE Broker helps nursing professionals in Arkansas track your CE progress. This easy electronic workflow streamlines the ability for you to track your CE history and maintain your documentation or professional portfolio for personal, academic, employment, or license renewal purposes.

With CE Broker, licensees and some education providers will be able to electronically enter CE course completion certificates through the tracking system. The information is maintained within CE Broker's centralized database. This simplifies the process of tracking your continuing education with easy reporting, digital storage for your certificates, and a credit counting CE compliance transcript all in one online portal.

FREE ACCESS

CE BROKER IS 100% FREE TO USE. You will never have to pay for a CE Broker Basic Account. Licensees do have the option to subscribe to an upgraded account, which offers additional CE tracking tools outlined below.

ACCOUNT OPTIONS

ACTIVATE YOUR FREE CE BROKER ACCOUNT

  1. Visit www.cebroker.com/ar/plans (Works best in Chrome)
  2. Select the Basic Account option
  3. Enter your license number and get started tracking your continuing education!

If you already have a CE Broker account, follow these simple steps to add your Arkansas license.

Once you have created your account and logged into the system, click “Report CE” and find the option that best applies. You will need to answer a few questions and then attach the documentation that the Board requires. If you are using the CE Broker mobile app, you can take a picture of your documentation and upload it via your phone or tablet.

HOW TO LOCATE ADVANCED PRACTICE MANDATORY COURSES

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) courses are located on the CE Broker platform.

Access the courses through your CE Broker account and follow these steps:

  1. Click on Find CE/CME
  2. In the “I’m a” field select Arkansas if it is not already populated.
  3. In the “My professions” field, use the drop-down menu to select your profession.
  4. In the “Looking For” field, use the drop-down menu to select Maintaining professional boundaries and the prescribing rules, regulations, and laws that apply to APRNs in the State of Arkansas.
  5. Complete the course by clicking on the “Take it Here” button beside the course.

KEY FEATURES OF THE CE BROKER FREE BASIC ACCOUNT INCLUDE

Comprehensive Course Search

The CE Broker Course Search helps you find every course you need to complete your license renewal. Any Courses with the “Take it Here” tag will be instantly reported to your account and appear in your Course History.  To find courses, visit courses.cebroker.com/search/ar and select your profession.

When you find CE in the Course Search, it may satisfy the requirements set by the Arkansas Board of Nursing (ASBN).  The course search is not intended to be an all-inclusive list, nor are any of the vendors listed endorsed or necessarily approved by the ASBN. Depending upon the organization that approved the courses, the ASBN may or may not accept such courses for continuing education credit for the purpose of licensure renewal. Refer to the list of Accrediting Organizations/Approved Approval Bodies to determine if the provider's educational activity is accepted by ASBN. Note: You will need to be sure that the CE contact hours are practice focused relevant to your specific area of practice. 

Helpful Support Center

CE Broker provides dedicated support 8AM - 8PM ET Monday - Friday with a team of experts trained on the rules and regulations of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. You can reach them by phone at 877-434-6323 or via email and live chat.

FAQs

Visit the CE Broker FAQ directly for detailed information on CE Broker and how to use your free account.

 

     

ASBN - Medication Assistant (Certified)

Act 1423 of the 2005 Arkansas legislative session authorized the use of trained and certified medication assistants in nursing homes in Arkansas. In June 2021, the Rules were updated to authorize the use of Medication Assistants-Certified in designated facilities in Arkansas. A designated facility is defined as any Board approved facility to include a nursing home or a facility operated as a local correctional facility as defined by ACA §12-41-107. Medication Assistants are required to successfully complete an education program and pass a certification exam; or complete a portion of a nursing education program equivalent to the MA-C education program and pass a certification exam, before being allowed to function in the role of Medication Assistant-Certified (MA-C) in a designated facility.

Approved MA-C Programs

Arkansas Northeastern College – Blytheville
2501 S. Division St.
PO Box 1109
Blytheville, AR  72316
Brenda Holifield, Dean
bholifield@smail.anc.edu
870-740-2908

Arkansas State University – Mountain Home 
1600 So. College
Mtn. Home, AR 72653
Dr. Julia Gist, Dean
jgist@asumh.edu
870-508-6154

Arkansas State University – Newport
7648 Victory Blvd.
Newport, AR  72112
Judith Coggin, Instructor
Judith_coggin@asun.edu
870-512-7729

East Arkansas Community College – Forrest City
1700 New Castle Road
Forrest City, AR 72335
Dr. Terri Moody, Director
tmoody@eacc.edu
870-633-4480

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College – North Little Rock
3000 West Scenic Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118
Talayia Johnson, Director
tajohnson@uaptc.edu
501-812-2286


Certification

Welcome to Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). The information contained herein is designed to assist you with the information you need to begin the application process. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

THE FIRST STEP in application submission is to create an account in the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

Click HERE to view the video for instructions on the CREATION OF AN ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL ACCOUNT.

Once you have created your Nurse Portal account, sign in to your Nurse Portal account to submit an application.  

Once you have submitted an application, you may monitor the status of your application by accessing your Nurse Portal account and clicking on view status.

Click HERE to view the video for instructions on How to Check Application Status.

CERTIFICATION APPLICATION INFORMATION
For more information about a specific application, click on the respective application name listed below.

Medication Assistant-Certified (MA-C) Initial Application (required for individuals that have completed Medication Assistant Certified training from an Arkansas MA-C program):

Medication Assistant-Certified (MA-C) Endorsement Application (required for individuals that have completed Medication Assistant Certified training from another state and are applying for MA-C in Arkansas):

Applications

Resources

ASBN - Insulin & Glucagon Administration Training Programs

Pursuant to the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as it existed on July 1, 2011, the 2011 Arkansas General Assembly passed a law pertaining to the administration of glucagon by trained volunteer school personnel to Arkansas public school students who are diagnosed with diabetes. Further, the 2015 Arkansas General Assembly passed a law pertaining to the administration of insulin by trained volunteer school personnel to Arkansas public school students who are diagnosed with diabetes.

These laws allow trained volunteer school personnel in the absence of the school nurse to administer glucagon, insulin or both to a child diagnosed with diabetes in an emergency situation. Consequently, the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, in collaboration with the Arkansas School Nurses Association and diabetic experts, worked together to identify and approve Insulin and Glucagon Administration Training  programs that meet the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules, Chapter 9.

Approved Training Programs

Certifications of Training

Certificates of Approval

Certificates of Participation

COVID-19 Guidance for Self Home Isolation

WHAT IS ISOLATION?

Isolation is for people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. If you have COVID-19, being in isolation means you must stay home and away from others while you are infectious in order to stop the spread of the virus to anyone else. After testing positive, you should notify anyone you were in close contact with to notify them of the exposure so they can quarantine.

ISOLATION GUIDELINES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC

*Please note the above guidelines apply to the general population in the community, including workplaces and K-12 schools. These guidelines do NOT apply to healthcare settings, correctional institutions, or homeless shelters.

ISOLATION GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 | CDC 

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR K-12 SCHOOLS

Updated Quarantine and Isolation Guidance Based on CDC Revisions January 6, 2022

RESTRICTIONS DURING ISOLATION

 

 

COVID-19 Reports

General:

Educational Institutions:
Report on Educational Institutions with 5 or More Active Cases
*This report is generally released on Mondays and Thursdays.

Nursing Homes:
This report is generally released once a week.

Congregate Settings:
This report is generally released once a week.

Contact Tracing:
These reports are generally released on Tuesdays.

Percent Positivity Map:

Variant of Concern:

 

 
 

ASBN - LPTN Renewal - Post Expiration (Late)

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing inactive/expired Arkansas license. It is NOT an application for on time renewal, new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the process to reactivate an inactive/expired license. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process.

 General Instructions

1.  ASBN Renewal Post Expiration Application Informatoin

2.  Fee Information

3.  Post Renewal Information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT RENEWAL APPLICATION

ASBN - RN Renewal - Post Expiration (Late)

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing inactive/expired Arkansas license. It is NOT an application for on time renewal, new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the process to reactivate an inactive/expired license. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process.

 General Instructions

1.  ASBN Post Expiration Renewal Application Information

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

a. driver’s license with a home address;

b. federal income tax return with a primary state of residence declaration;

c. voter registration card with a home address;

d. military form no. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate); or

e. W2 form from the United States government or any bureau, division, or agency thereof, indicating residence.

2.  Fee Information

3.  Post Renewal Information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT RENEWAL APPLICATION

ASBN - LPN Renewal - Post Expiration (Late)

This application is for nurses who wish to renew an existing inactive/expired Arkansas license. It is NOT an application for on time renewal, new graduate initial licensure or endorsement of a license from another state.

The information contained herein is designed to assist you with information you need to begin the process to reactivate an inactive/expired license. Read the instructions and provide all required documentation. Additional instructions are located within the online renewal system as you progress through the renewal process.

General Instructions

1.  ASBN Renewal Post Expiration Application

Declaration of Primary State of Residence

a. driver’s license with a home address;

b. federal income tax return with a primary state of residence declaration;

c. voter registration card with a home address;

d. military form no. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate); or

e. W2 form from the United States government or any bureau, division, or agency thereof, indicating residence.

2.  Fee Information

3.  Post Renewal Information

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARKANSAS NURSE PORTAL TO SUBMIT RENEWAL APPLICATION

Plan Review and Submission Portal

The Arkansas Department of Health has introduced and implemented a new ELECTRONIC Plan Submission portal.

WELCOME to the Arkansas Department of Health Plan Review page. The mission of the Arkansas Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans. The plan review process is one important factor in attaining this mission.

The purpose of a plan review process is to ensure that development or building projects comply with the adopted policies and codes. Staff review plan submissions for proposed projects. Plan reviews are coordinated through multiple divisions Engineering (Civil projects: drinking water, civil drawings, drinking wells, etc.), Protective Health Codes (Plumbing, Natural Gas), and Environmental (Retail Food, Wholesale/Manufactured food, Public Swimming Pools/Spas). This coordinated process helps to ensure that all pertinent codes/policies are followed in the design and execution of the project. 

Adhering to the ADH Guiding Principles, the Plan Review staff work diligently to review all projects in a timely manner. While staff is allotted up to 30 days to complete a review, review times vary depending on numerous factors. To ensure the most efficient process, providing complete submissions referencing the current adopted codes is necessary. For more information contact the appropriate division(s).

Plans may now be submitted electronically along with electronic forms and electronic pay capabilities. ADH has also implemented electronic review software, Bluebeam Revu. This is beneficial for submitters who are out of town and out of state thus saving time, gas, and money.

ADH Plan Review Divisions:

Plan Submissions:

Plans may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically. Plans may be brought in person by contacting the proper division and setting an appointment for review*. If the submitter is unable to wait for review, plans may be dropped off and staff will review them and send documentation of the review. Plans may also be mailed to the ADH central office in Little Rock. For proper routing, each division has a specific slot number that must be included on the address.

*(Please note that appointments or building access may be limited or ceased during the Covid-19 pandemic).

Paper Plan submissions are accepted in the same manner they have been in the past. Each submission should consist of complete plans with all pages required for each specific division required, all associated forms/applications/documents, and associated fees.

All project submissions require a Project Cost Estimate worksheet and Plan Review fee. Projects that are multiple departments (e.g. Plumbing and Retail food) share 1 form and 1 Plan Review Fee. For this example, Plumbing costs and Food establishment costs are added to get the total project cost. The Plan Review fee is then calculated as 1% of the project cost (minimum $50 and maximum $500).

Electronic Plan submissions are submitted through https://planreview.adh.arkansas.gov/. Those submitting plans electronically are required to create a unique user account. The Project Cost Estimate sheet can be electronically filled out and plans submitted as attachments. Please submit attachments as PDF or CAD files. Photos or .JPEG attachments are allowed but they cannot be utilized in the electronic review process and must be printed out for use/review. Upon submission, staff will issue an invoice for payment. Due to system requirements, payment cannot be made until after 9:00 am the following day. Staff will not review or release any approvals until payment is confirmed.  

Staff can attach approval letters or other documentation of the review as an attachment to the file or send via email or postal service.

Divisional:

Retail Food (mobile, kiosk, pushcart, brick & mortar) requires a retail food permit application and initial annual permit fee at the time of submission. Click the Retail Food link here for the Plan Review Packet.

In addition, plans should provide the following:

Manufactured Food also requires a food permit application and initial annual permit fee at the time of submission. Click the Manufactured/Wholesale Food Link here for the Plan Review Packet. Consult the webpage for additional submission requirements.

Plumbing Plan Review submission requirements are contained here.

Engineering-Water and Sewer Utility submission requirements here.

NOTE: HVAC has moved to the Department of Labor.

Divisional Plan Contacts Phone
Retail Food:
Chuck Dumas		 501-661-2163
Manufactured/Wholesale Food:
Louis Nevala
Brad Tubbs		 501-661-2171
Swimming Pools/Spas:
Cole Kitchens		 501-661-2171
Plumbing/Natural Gas:
Josh Hazlewood
Pam McCullah
Bill Sims		 501-661-2022
501-661-2650
501-661-2648
Engineering:
Lance Jones
Jeff Stone		 501-661-2623
Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Links:

MCH - Public Comments on Application

Faith-Based Outreach

Linking Communities of Faith to Public Health

Who We Are

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) understands the important role that faith plays in helping people have better health outcomes. Faith leaders have trusted messengers within their communities and are on the front lines of fighting many of the health issues that are affecting our communities. The Arkansas Department of Health respects the diversity of religious beliefs and practices of all people. We believe that all communities of faith and public health can work well together to promote the common goal of improving the health and well-being of people, families, and communities.

What We Do

The Office of Faith-based Outreach works to inform, educate and empower communities of faith to take an active role in their health. We believe that everybody should have an opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Realizing that communities of faith reach a broad audience, we work with you to identify and address community health concerns, as well as support projects, initiatives and research that will enable every Arkansan to achieve their optimal level of health and well-being.

There is no one right way to improve the health of everyone in a community. The most successful efforts involve different people all working together. We work in collaborative partnership with different ADH programs and community organizations to strengthen, expand resources, and find solutions that will have a lasting positive impact on health. These partnerships also help to build a stronger foundation so that hard-to-reach and at risk persons can have better health.


How May We Help?

Nutrition for Women, Children, and Adolescent Girls

Arkansas residents are facing hardships as a result of COVID-19. Many individuals and families are experiencing economic challenges for the first time and need help. It is important now more than ever to achieve the best physical health possible. Arkansas WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children) can help. WIC provides a wide variety of select healthy foods for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, babies, and young children up through five years of age.

The Power 2B Whole Regional Summits

The Power 2B Whole Regional Summits are an annual gathering of ADH public health professionals, faith and spiritual leaders, community organizations, community stakeholders, and advocates that come together to develop solutions, introduce new strategies, and fuel collaborations to build healthy and sustainable communities. The original event slated to take place this fall has been postponed to Fall 2022 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Power 2B Whole organizers will continue to monitor the latest information from health officials to ensure a safe and exciting event for everyone.

Tobacco-Free Communities of Faith

Helping people become tobacco-free is a major step towards having tobacco-free communities. When it comes to quitting tobacco products or using e-cigarettes, different people need different types of support to quit and stay tobacco and nicotine-free. Communities of faith provide a place of acceptance and support for those trying to quit. Tobacco Prevention and Cessation offer a variety of training and community education designed to help both youth and adults to stop using tobacco and nicotine products, including “No Menthol Sunday”, a National African American Prevention Network program.

Stroke is No Joke

A stroke is a sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow! Not knowing stroke signs and symptoms, or what to do when someone is having a stroke could cost someone their life. Data from the Arkansas Stroke Registry shows that many people experiencing stroke symptoms are NOT calling 911, but instead are arriving to emergency rooms in their private car. ADH in partnership with UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation Stroke Program, educates Arkansas hospitals, communities, including faith communities on stroke signs and symptoms using the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccines are a key part of public health, saving millions of lives and billions of dollars by preventing diseases.  Arkansas immunization rates are low and this means many people aren’t protected and are at risk for illnesses that are preventable.  Faith communities and faith leaders can be extremely helpful in encouraging healthy behaviors and educating communities about the importance of immunizations.  We offer free preventive education workshops, as well as provide training on how to conduct a mass flu clinic for your community.

Get Vaccinated: Prevention and You!

Interventions that promote vaccinations are more effective when communities of faith are engaged in the process.  ADH in partnership with ImmunizeAR, offers tools and resources that support community-engaged teaching. The toolkits have everything you need to conduct a workshop, including a leader's manual, participant booklet, PowerPoint presentation (with presenter notes), and handouts for the participants. Everything is downloadable and available to print from the following sites:

Living with Chronic Illness

Many Arkansans live with chronic illnesses and pain, such as uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, cancer, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic conditions and illnesses are constantly changing; a person may feel fine one day, but unable to get out of bed the next day. Many people turn to their faith family for guidance, acceptance, and support during difficult health times. If you know someone suffering from a chronic illness, there are many things you can do to help. We offer chronic disease self-management education, as well as resources to help people cope and adapt to chronic illness.

Mental and Emotional Wellness

People are hurting. Faith leaders report that more and more people are coming through their doors struggling with addictions, anxiety, and depression. Research shows there is a strong mind-body connection through which mental, emotional, social, occupational, spiritual, and environmental factors can directly affect our health. When these things are out of balance, things such as disease, depression, alcohol or drug misuse, and suicide can occur. Your faith community can become a healing community. We provide support through training that includes substance abuse and misuse, as well as suicide awareness and prevention.

Wellness for Women, Adolescents, Infants, and Children

Communities of faith have a genuine concern about the health of their members and the broader community.  As a trusted source, you have the power to make a positive impact on health.  ADH is committed to improving the health of women of childbearing age, adolescents, children, infants, and children with special health care needs.  We support the development of family-centered, community-based, coordinated systems of care.  Learn how you can support better health and well-being for your community.

Moms and Babies Welcome!

For many people, communities of faith are the center of community life; places where physical and spiritual well-being can be nourished and nurtured. Research has shown that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants and more families are deciding to offer the natural nutrition that breast milk provides. We can help you create healthy, friendly faith communities for breastfeeding families.

Know the Signs and Act in Time for Heart Attack

Early symptoms, such as mild or stuttering chest pain, are identified as major risk factors for heart attack. Adults often ignore these warnings and put themselves at risk for significant damage to the heart muscle, or even death. Most heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack. ADH partners with the Arkansas STEMI Advisory Council and American College of Cardiology to help bring Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC) educational materials to Arkansans. EHAC education teaches people to recognize the early signs and symptoms of heart attack to increase usage of 911 when suspected. To order your materials, complete the form found here and submit as instructed (a version in Spanish is available on the Arkansas STEMI Advisory Council page). Another ADH partner is the American Heart Association which provides online education on heart attack warning signs. More information can be found here. 

Dose of Reality

Communities of faith are often the first to recognize brokenness and are places of refuge for those addicted to prescription pain medicines. Communities of faith are instrumental in helping to address, educate and prevent this growing substance abuse crisis. Learn how you can help! We provide Dose of Reality training for faith leaders and places of worship.

Hometown Health

Healthy communities are places where people live, learn, work, play and worship.  Health interventions that incorporate faith or spiritual elements have proven to be the most achievable.  We understand this matters to you.  The Hometown Health Program supports you in efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles among your faith community. We help you to identify health needs specific to your community of faith and offer tools and resources to help your community take charge of their health.  Whatever health goal you would like to achieve—we can help.

 

We Would Love to Hear from You!
If you are interested in any of these programs or would like more information please contact:

Office Contact Phone Email
Arkansas Department of Health
Kimberly Hayman
Faith-based Outreach Coordinator		 501.280.4545 Kimberly.Hayman@arkansas.gov

Whatever you need--health education, disease prevention, health promotion, or training--we have it. If we don't have it, we will do our best to find it.

Click here if you are interested in hosting a COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinic at your place of worship.
Completed forms may also be emailed to: Kimberly.Hayman@arkansas.gov.

Materials & Resources

COVID-19 Resources for Communities of Faith

The following resources are meant to support the specific needs and interests of diverse communities of faith. This page will be continually updated as we learn more.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information | Vaccine Clinics

COVID-19 Treatment Information

CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Communities of Faith

COVID-19 Ask the Doctor

COVID-19 Download Signage

Drive-Thru Testing

FAITH Network Toolkit

FAITH Specific Guidance for Communities of Faith

Mental Health

Minority Health

COVID-19 Burials, Funerals, Memorials

Every faith community has unique practices to honor the deceased, however, due to COVID-19 traditional practices and rituals may need to be changed. The following are considerations for communities of faith.

General Resources:

Faith-Specific:

Additional Resources:

The following community organizations share our passion for improving health and support efforts of the Office of Faith-based Outreach.

     

 

Connect with us:

  

ASBN - License Verification

The public, licensees, nursing employers, and other state boards or organizations can obtain verification of licensure information to confirm if an individual holds a current, valid nursing license in Arkansas. Arkansas has paperless licensure since an Arkansas license is issued and maintained electronically.

Do not accept the blue plastic card or a copy of the license verification report as a reliable verification that the person is licensed; check license verification for yourself.

The following options are available for verification of an Arkansas nursing license:

  1. Nursys® Nurses' verification
    • ​The Nursys licensure and disciplinary database is the repository of data provided directly from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and is primary source equivalent. For participating states, go to www.nursys.com. If the original state of nurse licensure is not a Nursys® participant, contact the original state licensing board. NOTE: To verify Arkansas RNP and LPTN licenses you must access the ASBN Registry Search. Access and view or download discipline documents as applicable.
  2. ASBN Registry Search\License Verification
    • The Arkansas State Board of Nursing license verification portal is a database for license lookup and is considered a primary source of verification. For verification of an Arkansas license, go to https://arsbn.boardsofnursing.org/licenselookup.

Resources:

COVID-19 Recursos en Español

Plan de Vacunacion - COVID-19 | Pruebas de Deteccion de COVID-19 | Recursos Adicionales Sobre COVID-19 |
Vacunacion Contra el COVID-19

  

 

OBTENGA LA VACUNA COVID-19
Línea Telefónica para Vacunas: 1-800-803-7847

 

Para protegerse y proteger a los demás, el ADH recomienda:

Qué hacer si su prueba de COVID-19 resulta positiva

Qué hacer si está expuesto a una persona con COVID-19

Alertas y Actualizaciones del COVID-19

Haga clic aquí para un ver un mapa que detalla la última información de casos en Arkansas.  “Total COVID-19 Cases” refiere el número total de casos en todo el estado. “Active cases” son los casos que están actualmente activos. “Recoveries” muestra el número de personas que se han recuperado. “Deaths” muestra el número de personas que han muerto por COVID-19. También puede hacer clic en cualquier condado para tener más información acerca del área.

 

 

 

 

ACC Chest Pain MI Registry Performance Awards

2019

Hospital Level
Baxter Regional Medical Center Silver
Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas Silver
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital Platinum
St. Bernards Medical Center Silver

ASBN - Quality Assurance Plan

APRNs with prescriptive authority must have in place a written quality assurance plan by which patient care is evaluated and quality is maintained by the APRN.

Plan must:

Examples of Quality Assurance measures (not an inclusive list – you may have other measures)

Quality Assurance Guidelines for APRNs

ASBN - Collaborative Practice

Guidelines for Collaborative Practice Agreements

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with Prescriptive Authority must have a current updated Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) on file with the Board of Nursing. APRNs should keep their original CPA and submit a copy (PDF) to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) through the Arkansas Nurse Portal message center. The APRN is responsible for ensuring this requirement is met. After review of any new CPA, the APRN will be contacted through the Nurse Portal that the CPA has been approved or it has been denied and the reason for the denial. You may NOT practice under a CPA until you receive an approval letter.

The APRN must notify the Board in writing within seven (7) days after the CPA is terminated. If the Board does not have a current CPA on file, the APRN’s Prescriptive Authority will be inactivated. When a new CPA has been approved by Board staff, Prescriptive Authority is reactivated.

The Collaborative Practice Agreement must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must be complete and legible and on the current, unmodified form.    
  2. The collaborating physician must have a current AR license to practice under the Medical Practice Act, § 17-95-201. The collaborating physician must also have an unrestricted DEA registration number for APRNs who prescribe controlled substances.
  3. The collaborating physician must have training within the scope, specialty, or expertise of the APRN’s practice/specialty.
  4. A provision addressing the availability of the collaborating physician for consultation and/or referral.
  5. Method of management of the collaborative practice (include a statement regarding protocols for Prescriptive Authority)
  6. Plans for coverage of the health care needs of the patient in the emergency absence of the APRN or collaborating physician.
  7. Provision for quality assurance (attach a separate Quality Assurance Plan that has been signed by the APRN and the collaborating physician).
  8. Signatures with dates of both the APRN and the collaborating physician.
  9. License numbers and certification specialties of both the APRN and the collaborating physician.
  10. Address and phone number of the APRN’s and physician’s practice site(s).
  11. The APRN and collaborative physician must both initial the requested category of controlled substances.

Mediation-Assisted Treatment

The SUPPORT Act of 2018 gives practitioners more flexibility in providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and extends the privilege of prescribing buprenorphine in office-based settings to qualifying advanced practice nurses until October 1, 2023. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) was signed into law in 2016 to help address the opioid epidemic. The Act endorses the use of MAT for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and amends the Controlled Substances Act. This law authorizes the nurse practitioner to seek a DATA Waiver to offer buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD.

In order to be eligible for the prescribing waiver, the APRN must complete at least 24 hours of initial training which is offered through organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Recent Practice Guidelines have allowed qualified APRNs to forego the required training when treating up to 30 patients for OUD. Practitioners utilizing this training exemption are limited to treating no more than 30 patients at any one time and apply only to the prescription of Schedule III, IV, and V drugs or combinations of such drugs.

Qualified practitioners who undertake the required training can treat up to 100 patients using buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD in the first year if they possess a DATA 2000 Waiver and meet certain conditions. More information on treating up to 100 patients can be found here.

APRNs who have an approved Notification of Intent (NOI) Buprenorphine Waiver from SAMHSA or have completed the 24 hours of required training may seek to obtain the DATA 2000 Waiver. The APRN must submit a copy of their approval email from SAMHSA or evidence of 24 hours buprenorphine waiver training, DATA 2000 collaborative practice agreement, and supply evidence that your collaborating physician also has a DATA Waiver.  The ASBN will notify the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) once the criteria are met and the DEA will then assign a special identification number to be included on all buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid dependency treatment.  This is in addition to the APRN’s regular DEA number.

In order to qualify, the Arkansas APRN must:

Please submit a copy of the waiver to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Advanced Practice Department via the Arkansas Nursing Portal.

Resources:

Public Health Accrediation Board
Arkansas Department of Health
© 2017 Arkansas Department of Health. All Rights Reserved. www.healthy.arkansas.gov
4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
1-800-462-0599
For information, inquiries, feedback and comments contact us.