The bill amends the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act in Arkansas, specifically redefining "healthcare service" to include "medical research or medical care" provided to patients throughout their treatment. It also expands the rights of medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, and payers to decline participation in healthcare services that conflict with their conscience, particularly regarding procedures such as abortion, assisted suicide, or gender transition. New provisions clarify that emergency medical care must still be provided as required by federal law, and that healthcare providers cannot be discriminated against for exercising their conscience rights.

Additionally, the bill introduces protections against discrimination for healthcare providers who report violations of the law or participate in proceedings related to such violations. It ensures that medical practitioners cannot face repercussions for engaging in speech or expression protected by the First Amendment, unless it directly causes harm to a patient. The legislation also mandates that healthcare payers file their conscience policies annually and prohibits them from using conscience objections to deny payments for services not included in their filings. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the rights of healthcare providers while ensuring patient care standards are maintained.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB444 V2 - 3-20-2025 10:17 AM: 17-80-503(5), 17-80-504, 5-61-301, 5-1-401, 03-20-2025
Old version SB444 Original - 3-12-2025 01:41 PM: 17-80-503(5), 17-80-504
SB 444: 17-80-503(5), 17-80-504
Act 970: 17-80-503(5), 17-80-504, 5-61-301, 5-1-401, 03-20-2025