Caregiver background check rules in Arkansas

Yes. Arkansas requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients. Private care agencies must keep evidence of criminal history records checks on all operators, applicants, and employees. Under the 2010 ADH rule, a state check is required, a federal check is added if the person has not lived in Arkansas for the past five years, and checks repeat at least every five years.

What does the check include?

What should you confirm with the state?

The private care agency rule is written for agencies providing Medicaid personal care, so confirm with the Arkansas Department of Health whether a private-pay-only companion agency needs a license. Act 853 of 2025 changed some certification requirements, and the license fee isn't listed in the rule; confirm both with the Department. A fingerprint-based federal check is required only for people who haven't lived in Arkansas continuously for five years.

What other checks should you run?

Agencies that bill Medicaid or Medicare should also check the HHS Office of Inspector General exclusion list before hire and monthly, because payments for services by an excluded person can be recovered. If you use a background screening company, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires written disclosure and the applicant's authorization first.