Opinion ID: 1755687
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Statutory Duty to Evaluate Adequacy of Facilities

Text: The Association also argues that under regulation 500M, the failure to consider residential-care facilities as assisted-living facilities violates the Commission's obligation to evaluate the adequacy of long-term-care facilities under Ark.Code Ann. § 20-8-103. As the circuit court noted, the decision to issue and abide by regulation 500M was not arbitrary. The Commission and the Health Services Permit Agency engaged in significant research and analysis before issuing regulation 500M. Not only were Arkansas statutes considered, but there were also surveys undertaken regarding how other states were serving their populations who needed assisted-living services. The Commission also held meetings with providers and others to discuss Arkansas facilities and the needs in Arkansas. In addition, as the Commission notes, population projections were considered, and there was a considered decision on just what services and facilities would be needed in the future in Arkansas. Based on the statutes cited and the facts of this case, we cannot say that the administrative action in adopting regulation 500M was arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law. DICKEY, J., not participating.