The proposed legislation, known as the "Pharmacy Nondiscrimination Act," aims to amend the Patient Protection Act of 1995 and establish regulations for pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in Arkansas. The bill mandates that PBMs must accept any pharmacy or pharmacist willing to comply with relevant and reasonable terms of participation, thereby ensuring fair access to pharmacy services and fostering competition. The act emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diverse and competitive pharmacy network to protect public health and ensure equitable access to pharmacy care across the state.

Key provisions of the bill include the definition of terms related to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacists, and pharmacies, as well as stipulations that prohibit PBMs from denying participation based on arbitrary criteria. The legislation also outlines a complaint process for pharmacies or pharmacists who believe they have been unjustly excluded from a PBM network. Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, indicating the immediate necessity of its enactment to safeguard public health and access to pharmacy services in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB103 Original - 1-27-2025 09:03 AM: 23-99-203(d), 23-99-802(4)
Old version SB103 V2 - 3-17-2025 02:25 PM: 23-99-203(d), 23-99-802(4)
SB 103: 23-99-203(d), 23-99-802(4)
Act 425: 23-99-203(d), 23-99-802(4)