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 required by federal law is exempt from these conscience objections, and healthcare providers are protected from discrimination for reporting violations of the law or participating in related proceedings.

Additionally, the bill introduces protections for healthcare providers against discrimination based on their conscience rights and establishes First Amendment protections for medical practitioners regarding their speech and expression. It mandates that any complaints against practitioners must be communicated to them within a specified timeframe, and it imposes penalties for non-compliance. The bill aims to ensure that healthcare providers can operate in accordance with their ethical beliefs while maintaining patient access to necessary medical services.

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