The proposed bill establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Human Services in Arkansas. The council's primary purpose is to provide expert clinical advice to the Arkansas Medicaid Drug Utilization Review Board regarding drugs and treatments for rare diseases, as defined by the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, the council will offer input on matters affecting patients with rare diseases, including access to care, insurance, and pandemic preparedness, and will create publicly accessible resources related to rare diseases in the state.

The council will consist of various members appointed by state officials, including the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, ensuring representation from patients, healthcare professionals, and academic institutions. The council is required to meet at least quarterly, establish its own rules, and submit annual reports detailing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly. The bill outlines the structure, appointment process, and operational guidelines for the council, emphasizing its role in improving the lives of individuals affected by rare diseases in Arkansas.