Ark. Stat. Ann. §§ 20-7-109 (1997)

Authority. The director of the Department of Health has control over all quarantine measures. The state Health Board establishes rules and regulations regarding quarantine and isolation. County or district health departments have the power and duty to establish and enforce quarantine or isolation when it is necessary for public health. Cities can create health boards and appoint a health officer, with jurisdiction five miles beyond city limits in the event of a quarantine for an epidemic. Both county and city health authorities must assist state Department of Health and the Health Board. Only the state director can implement a quarantine on movement between jurisdictions.

Penalties. For those under mandated treatment for tuberculosis, disorderly conduct can be punished with confinement up to six months and those who leave or attempt to leave without being discharged are guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by confinement of six to12 months.

Police Power and Limitations. If a health officer has reasonable grounds to suspect an individual has an active or communicable form of tuberculosis who is not willing to undergo treatment, they may detain the individual for the necessary testing and establish suitable isolation. If suitable local isolation is unavailable, they can petition the court to move the individual to an appropriate state facility.