Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1734

Introduced
3/27/23  
Refer
3/27/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  
Engrossed
4/4/23  
Refer
4/4/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Enrolled
4/7/23  
Chaptered
4/13/23  

Caption

To Amend The Patient Right-to-know Act.

Impact

The bill's provisions will potentially streamline the process for healthcare providers and improve transparency within the patient-provider relationship. By allowing healthcare providers to request a list of their existing patients to notify them about their new location or to post this information online, the law aims to reduce miscommunication that might otherwise lead to patient inconvenience. Furthermore, it establishes a clear process for seeking injunctions against violations, which enhances the protections available to patients and providers alike.

Summary

House Bill 1734 seeks to amend the Patient Right-to-Know Act in Arkansas, focusing on enhancing the communication between healthcare providers and their patients regarding practice relocations. This bill mandates that when a healthcare provider relocates, their entity must provide timely and accurate notifications to existing patients about the new practice location. This requirement is aimed at preventing misunderstandings and ensuring that patients can continue to access care without disruption due to a provider's relocation.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1734 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers and healthcare advocates, who view it as a significant step toward improving patient rights and ensuring continuity of care. The bill enjoys bipartisan support, indicated by a unanimous vote in its third reading, suggesting a collective recognition of the importance of communication in healthcare. However, concerns regarding the operational burdens placed on healthcare entities may arise in discussions as implementation approaches.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving procedural aspects within healthcare communications, notable points of contention may stem from the logistics of compliance imposed on healthcare providers and organizations. Critics might raise questions about the burden of maintaining accurate patient lists and timely notifications, weighing patient rights against administrative practicality. Additionally, the retroactive application of the bill could also lead to disputes over existing cases wherein patients may argue about their rights under the new requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SB51

An Act For The University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR10

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

Similar Bills

MS HB934

Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; create.

MS HB803

Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; create.

AR SB143

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR HB1271

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

KY HB200

AN ACT relating to the healthcare workforce, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

AR SB142

To Amend The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; And To Regulate Network Leasing Under The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act.

AR HB1299

To Prohibit Healthcare Insurers From Exercising Recoupment For Payment Of Healthcare Services More Than One Year After The Payment For Healthcare Services Was Made.

LA SB29

Prohibits discrimination against healthcare professionals and provides for protection of healthcare professional credentials. (8/1/22)