Steps of the POA Application Process:

1. Determine the type of Home Health Agency or Health Facility that you are seeking to get a POA for: A health facility is defined as “a long-term care facility” and inpatient Hospice Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-ID), Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF), Residential Care Facilities (RCF), and Assisted Living Facilities(ALF).
2. Review the Arkansas Health Services Permit Agency (AHSPA) bed need book to determine if your county (where the health agency/facility and/or long- term care beds will located) has a need for long-term care beds. Download the bed need book here.
3. If there is a need, access an application from the AHSPA webpage.
4. Recommendation: contact the agency and set up an appointment with a staff member for a pre-submission conference to review the application and requirements.
5. Fill out the application and fully answer each applicable question. Please check with the agency before you can answer a question “not applicable”.
6. Submit one (1) original and one (1) copy of the completed application along with the application fee of $3,000.00 to the Arkansas Health Services Permit Agency in accordance with the Review Cycle schedule. Note*: The original application must be signed in blue ink. Please do not send the applications in binders or folders.

Important Notes:

• The AHSPA only receives applications four times a year:
  • February 1st
  • May 1st
  • August 1st
  • November 1st
• The application will be reviewed by the agency for a determination of completeness within 30 days.
• If determined complete it will be placed for review, the agency has 90 days to approve or deny the application.
• A letter of approval or denial will be sent to the applicant.
• An applicant or an opponent may seek an appeal of the Agency’s decision on a POA denial within 30 days of receipt of the Agency’s decision.