The proposed legislation aims to prohibit healthcare payors and pharmacy benefits managers from obtaining certain pharmacy permits in Arkansas. The General Assembly recognizes the need to support patient access to prescription drugs and pharmacy services at fair prices, as well as to address anticompetitive practices that have negatively impacted locally-operated pharmacies. The intent of the act is to enhance healthcare delivery in the pharmacy market by eliminating these harmful business tactics, which have been identified by the Federal Trade Commission and other governmental bodies.

Specifically, the bill introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code that defines key terms such as "healthcare payor," "participating provider," and "pharmacy benefits manager." It explicitly states that these entities are prohibited from acquiring any direct or indirect interest in permits for the retail sale of drugs or medicines. Furthermore, the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy is mandated to revoke any permits held by entities that violate this prohibition. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.