---
title: "Arkansas Nursing Home Abuse Toolkit: Know Your Rights"
url: "https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/research/know-your-state-rights/arkansas/"
description: "Look up AR nursing home inspection stats, resident rights laws, abuse hotlines, and how long you have to file a lawsuit."
---

Know Your State's Nursing Home Rights

Every state has its own laws, watchdog agencies, and deadlines. Pick your state to see who regulates its nursing homes, what rights residents have, and exactly how to report abuse.

# Arkansas at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #45 of 51

221 Total Homes

50 Serious Deficiencies

182 Infection-Related Deficiencies

$2M in Penalties

12 Payment Suspensions

0.41 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day

### Resident Protection Strength

State Oversight Moderate

Staffing Requirements Strong

Penalties for Violations Limited

Access to Legal Help Strong

The Office of Long Term Care licenses Arkansas nursing facilities and investigates complaints and abuse allegations.

- Licenses and certifies Arkansas nursing facilities
- Investigates complaints, abuse, neglect, and theft allegations
- Residents’ rights law appears at Ark. Code § 20-10-1201 et seq.

[Visit the state agency site →](https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/consumer-long-term-care-information/)

### Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 3 years

Typically runs from the date of injury. Claims about medical care are shorter, usually 2 years.

[Learn more about filing deadlines →](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/statute-limitations/)

WRONGFUL DEATH 3 years

Usually runs from the date of death and is filed by the estate's representative or heirs.

[Learn more about filing deadlines →](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/statute-limitations/)

Regulatory & Industry Standards: Our information is based on guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), state health departments, and peer-reviewed research. We also refer to state Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs, which investigate complaints and advocate for residents.