The bill aims to modify the fees charged by the Arkansas State Medical Board and grants the board the authority to reduce these fees if deemed beneficial for the state. It introduces new provisions that prevent the board from increasing or setting assessed fees beyond specified amounts. Additionally, if the board determines that a fee reduction is in the best interest of the state, it can lower fees through an administrative rule process, which requires the approval of the Governor and either the Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee if the General Assembly is in session.

The bill amends several sections of the Arkansas Code, including those related to medical corporations, licensing requirements for osteopathic physicians, credentialing organizations, and annual registration fees for physicians and respiratory care practitioners. Each amended section includes the stipulation that the board cannot increase fees beyond the established amounts and can only reduce them under the specified conditions. This legislative change is intended to provide more flexibility in fee management while ensuring that any adjustments align with the state's interests.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB57 Original - 1-12-2023 10:15 AM: 4-29-309, 17-91-101(b), 17-95-107(d), 17-95-408(c), 17-95-411, 17-99-302(e), 17-99-306, 17-105-117
Old version SB57 V2 - 1-30-2023 10:32 AM: 4-29-309, 17-91-101(b), 17-95-107(d), 17-95-408(c), 17-95-411, 01-30-2023, 17-99-302(e), 17-99-306, 17-105-117
SB 57: 4-29-309, 17-91-101(b), 17-95-107(d), 17-95-408(c), 17-95-411, 01-30-2023, 17-99-302(e), 17-99-306, 17-105-117
Act 79: 4-29-309, 17-91-101(b), 17-95-107(d), 17-95-408(c), 17-95-411, 01-30-2023, 17-99-302(e), 17-99-306, 17-105-117