Ark. Code Ann. § 21-5-602: Legislative intent

It is the purpose of this subchapter to:

(1) Provide workers' compensation coverage through state funds for all public employees, as defined in this subchapter, who are not otherwise covered under a workers' compensation liability insurance policy written and issued by a private workers' compensation liability carrier;

(2) Consolidate the administration of benefits for the public employees covered by state funds;

(3) Consolidate the legal representation and defense of the state workers' compensation funds; and

(4) Establish and define the Public Employee Claims Division as the unit of state government charged with payments of benefits provided by this subchapter.