Ark. Code Ann. § 14-50-310

In the case of a vacancy in a position requiring peculiar or exceptional qualifications of a scientific, professional, or expert character, upon satisfactory evidence that competition is impracticable and the position can best be filled by the selection of some person designated and of recognized attainment, the commission by majority vote may suspend competition in this case. However, the suspension shall not be general in its application, and each case must be handled on its own merits.