Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 217 - Emergency Telephone Services Board
1. What is the Emergency Telephone Services Board (ETSB)?
The Emergency Telephone Services Board (ETSB) in Arkansas is the state agency responsible for overseeing and regulating 9-1-1 emergency telephone services.
Its main goal is to make sure residents can reliably contact emergency responders (police, fire, medical) through the 9-1-1 system.
ETSB also ensures that the funds collected for 9-1-1 services are properly used.
Think of it as the board that manages how emergency calls reach the right responders quickly and efficiently.
2. Main Responsibilities of the ETSB
The board’s key duties include:
Administering 9-1-1 Service Funds
Manages the 9-1-1 emergency telephone surcharge collected from phone lines.
Allocates funds to local 9-1-1 call centers and other emergency communication needs.
Regulating Emergency Communication Systems
Sets standards for 9-1-1 equipment and operations.
Ensures systems are up-to-date and reliable.
Granting and Monitoring Local 9-1-1 Programs
Approves local plans for implementing or improving 9-1-1 services.
Monitors compliance with state rules and proper use of funds.
Public Safety Coordination
Coordinates between telephone companies, emergency responders, and local governments.
Supports training and emergency call procedures to improve response times.
Enforcement and Reporting
Ensures compliance with state regulations.
Investigates misuse of funds or failure to meet service standards.
3. Agency 217 in the Arkansas Administrative Code
In the Arkansas Administrative Code, Agency 217 contains the rules and procedures that govern the ETSB. These rules clarify:
Board Organization and Governance
How the board is structured, including members, terms, and appointments.
Responsibilities of the chair, secretary, and other officers.
Funding and Surcharges
Rules for collecting the 9-1-1 surcharge from phone lines (landline, VoIP, wireless).
Procedures for distributing funds to local emergency services.
Service Standards
Technical and operational requirements for call centers and emergency systems.
Guidelines for reliability, backup systems, and response times.
Granting and Approving Local 9-1-1 Projects
Procedures for local governments to request funding or approval for improvements.
Reporting requirements to demonstrate proper fund use.
Enforcement and Compliance
Actions the board can take if funds are misused or services are not meeting standards.
Penalties and corrective measures.
Public and Stakeholder Communication
Procedures for transparency, public reporting, and coordination with emergency services.
4. Why Agency 217 Matters
Agency 217 is important because:
It ensures 9-1-1 services are reliable and efficient, which can save lives in emergencies.
It guarantees that funds collected for emergency services are properly managed and used.
It provides clear rules for local governments and service providers, helping to standardize 9-1-1 services across the state.
Without these rules, emergency call systems could be inconsistent, unreliable, or underfunded.
5. How Agency 217 Rules Are Organized
The rules in Agency 217 are typically structured into Chapters or Sections, such as:
Chapter 1 – General Provisions
Definitions, board authority, and purpose.
Chapter 2 – Board Membership and Governance
Appointments, roles, meetings, and voting procedures.
Chapter 3 – Funding and Surcharge Administration
Collection, allocation, and reporting of 9-1-1 funds.
Chapter 4 – 9-1-1 Service Standards
Equipment, staffing, and operational requirements.
Chapter 5 – Grant Procedures and Local Programs
Funding requests, approval processes, and project reporting.
Chapter 6 – Enforcement and Compliance
Monitoring, investigations, penalties, and corrective actions.
✅ Summary:
Agency 217 – Emergency Telephone Services Board in the Arkansas Administrative Code governs how 9-1-1 emergency telephone services are managed, funded, and regulated. It ensures that:
Emergency calls reach responders quickly and reliably.
Funds collected from phone surcharges are used appropriately.
Local 9-1-1 programs meet state standards.
Compliance and accountability are maintained across all emergency telephone systems.
RELATED Blog
comments