Abuse of a vulnerable person

Ark. Code Ann. § 5-29-203 — under Vulnerable Persons.

Ark. Code Ann. § 5-29-203

(a) A person commits abuse of a vulnerable person if, being a healthcare provider or caregiver, he or she purposely abuses a vulnerable person under his or her care or to whom he or she has access due to his or her position as a healthcare provider or caregiver.

(b) Abuse of a vulnerable person is a:(1) Class B felony if the abuse causes serious physical injury or a substantial risk of death to the vulnerable person;(2) Class D felony if the abuse causes physical injury to the vulnerable person; or(3) Class B misdemeanor if otherwise committed.

(1) Class B felony if the abuse causes serious physical injury or a substantial risk of death to the vulnerable person;

(2) Class D felony if the abuse causes physical injury to the vulnerable person; or

(3) Class B misdemeanor if otherwise committed.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section for the use of a physical restraint or chemical restraint if the physical restraint or chemical restraint was necessary for the immediate safety of the vulnerable person, another patient, or staff in the inpatient facility.