§ 20-82-209 - Multidisciplinary teams -- Protocols created -- Responsibilities.

20-82-209. Multidisciplinary teams -- Protocols created -- Responsibilities.

(a) As used in this section, "multidisciplinary team" means a local team operating under a statewide model protocol developed by the Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission governing the roles, responsibilities, and procedures of the multidisciplinary team.

(b) The commission shall:

(1) (A) Prepare and issue a statewide model protocol for local multidisciplinary teams regarding investigations of child abuse and the provision of safety and services to victims of child abuse.

(B) The statewide model protocol shall describe coordinated investigation or coordinated services, or both, of state and local law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, and medical, mental health, and child safety centers; and

(2) Review and approve a protocol prepared by each local multidisciplinary team.

(c) Each multidisciplinary team shall:

(1) Develop a protocol consistent with the statewide model protocol issued by the commission; and

(2) Submit the protocol to the commission for review and approval.