In order to qualify as a Regional Ombudsman, an individual must have completed:

1. (1) One of the following:

   1. (A) An undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university with major course work in:

      1. (i) Social work;
      2. (ii) Health;
      3. (iii) Gerontology;
      4. (iv) General social science; or
      5. (v) Related field; or
   2. (B) An equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one (1) year of full-time paid employment experience in such areas as community organization, public health, social work, or related field for each year of the required education, with a maximum substitution of two (2) years; or

   3. (C)

      1. (i) The equivalent of five (5) years of full-time work experience with at least three (3) years in:

         1. (a) (a) Aging;
         2. (b) (b) Long-term care; or
      2. (c) (c) Related fields.
      3. (ii) However, at least one (1) year in a consultative or supervisory capacity is desirable; and
2. (2) A criminal background check in accordance with Arkansas Code §20-38-101 et seq. with no disqualifying criminal conviction.