The proposed bill seeks to amend the Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act with the goal of enhancing patient rights and access to medications. It establishes a legislative intent to regulate healthcare payors and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to ensure fair access to pharmacy services and protect patients from unfair trade practices. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "affiliate," "carve-out network," "ghost network," and "self-administered prescription drug," which clarify the relationships and practices within pharmacy benefits management. It also prohibits unfair practices, including coercing enrollees to use specific affiliates and restricting pharmacy choices, while mandating clear processes for exceptions and appeals regarding coverage decisions.

Key provisions of the bill require healthcare payors and PBMs to consider individual patient circumstances when enforcing the use of specific affiliates and to provide accurate information about participating pharmacists and pharmacies. The bill also establishes a definition for "self-administered prescription drug" that cannot be altered by health benefit plans or PBMs, and it prohibits retaliation against enrollees or healthcare providers for exercising their rights. An emergency clause is included to emphasize the immediate need for the bill, allowing it to take effect promptly upon approval by the Governor or after the veto period.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB104 V2 - 3-19-2025 03:11 PM: 23-92-503, 03-19-2025, 23-92-506(b)
Old version SB104 V3 - 4-1-2025 02:35 PM: 23-92-503, 04-01-2025, 23-92-506(b)
Old version SB104 Original - 1-27-2025 09:03 AM: 23-92-503, 23-92-506(b)
SB 104: 23-92-503, 23-92-506(b)
Act 514: 23-92-503, 04-01-2025, 23-92-506(b)