Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB274

Introduced

2/15/23

Refer

2/15/23

Report Pass

2/22/23

Failed

5/1/23

Caption

To Restrict Wholesale Distributors Of Controlled Substances And Legend Drugs From Limiting Or Terminating Sales Of Controlled Substances To Certain Licensed Professionals; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

The proposed legislation is targeted at enhancing the transparency and accountability of wholesale distributors, particularly in the context of controlled substances. By mandating that the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy is informed about any changes in distribution practices, the bill seeks to protect providers and pharmacies from unjustified sales terminations. This regulatory involvement is intended to ensure that any actions taken by wholesalers are based on clear allegations and follow an administrative process, thus safeguarding the interests of healthcare providers.

Summary

Senate Bill 274 aims to impose restrictions on wholesale distributors of controlled substances and legend drugs concerning their ability to limit or terminate sales to licensed professionals in Arkansas. The bill introduces a framework requiring these distributors to adhere to specific conditions before altering their sales practices. This framework includes the filing of complaints with licensing boards if distributors suspect aberrant purchasing or dispensing behaviors by providers or pharmacies, thereby involving regulatory oversight in the process.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to improve oversight, there are concerns about its implications for the discretion of wholesale distributors. Some stakeholders argue that the bill could create bureaucratic hurdles that may impede distributors from responding swiftly to genuine risks of abuse or misuse of controlled substances. Critics may argue that the requirement for extensive reporting and the administrative processes may detract from the effectiveness of regulatory responses to suspicious activities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB44

An Act For The Department Of Health - Licensing And Regulation Boards Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

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

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097