AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1531

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1531

Introduced
2/19/25  
Refer
2/19/25  
Report Pass
3/19/25  
Engrossed
4/1/25  
Refer
4/1/25  
Report Pass
4/3/25  
Refer
4/9/25  
Report Pass
4/9/25  
Enrolled
4/10/25  
Chaptered
4/16/25  

Caption

To Prohibit Pharmaceutical Manufacturers From Restricting Or Limiting Prescription Medications To A Limited Distribution Network Of Out-of-state Pharmacies.

Impact

Should HB 1531 be enacted, it will significantly impact state regulations concerning the distribution of prescription medications. It empowers local pharmacies and promotes patient access to necessary medications without the roadblocks often imposed by out-of-state distribution channels. Manufacturers will be required to obtain approvals from a governing board to limit distribution, thereby enhancing accountability and oversight over prescription medication access in Arkansas. This change aims to provide more control to local pharmacies and improve the overall healthcare access landscape within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1531 aims to prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting or limiting the distribution of prescription medications to a limited network of out-of-state pharmacies. The bill is grounded in the belief that ensuring patient access to prescription drugs and utilizing local pharmacies is beneficial for the residents of Arkansas. It seeks to enhance access to medications, particularly through local trusted pharmacists who can provide tailored advice to patients. The bill sets forth that local pharmacies may apply to be included in distribution networks, thus encouraging local engagement in prescription medication dispensing.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1531 is largely positive among proponents who advocate for increased patient access and transparency in medication distribution. Supporters include local pharmacists and healthcare advocates who view the bill as a necessary step to reduce dependency on out-of-state entities and ensure the people of Arkansas have better access to critical health services. Conversely, skepticism may be present among pharmaceutical companies who may see this as an infringement on their operational models, potentially complicating their existing distribution frameworks.

Contention

Despite its intentions, there are points of contention regarding the implications of HB 1531. Critics might argue that the bill oversteps into the domain of market regulations and could lead to unintended consequences in drug supply chains. There is concern about how the proposed legislation addresses existing proprietary agreements between manufacturers and distributors, which might complicate compliance and business operations for pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, there's a potential debate over balancing local preferences with overarching industry practices, making this a bill that could attract varying opinions from different stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1662

To Exempt The Sale Of Veterinary Drugs And Medicine If Based On A Prescription Of A Licensed Veterinarian From The Licensure Requirements For A Pharmacist And A Pharmacy; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB274

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.

AR SB502

To Require Wholesale Distributors Of Controlled Substances To Educate, Communicate, And Provide Due Process For Licensed Professionals Before Limiting Or Terminating Sales Of Controlled Substances; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1732

To Require Wholesale Distributors Of Controlled Substances To Educate, Communicate, And Provide Due Process For Licensed Professionals Before Limiting Or Terminating Sales Of Controlled Substances; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1007

To Authorize Pharmacists To Dispense Hiv Preexposure And Postexposure Prophylaxis.

AR HB1271

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

AR HB1272

To Amend The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; And To Prohibit A Healthcare Insurer From Leasing A Healthcare Contract Or Provider Network.

AR SB66

To Create The Protection Of Minors From Distribution Of Harmful Material Act; To Establish Liability For The Publication Or Distribution Of Material Harmful To Minors On The Internet; And To Require Reasonable Age Verification.

AR HB1276

To Exclude Antipsychotic Prescription Drugs From Step Therapy.

AR HB1250

To Amend The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Advisory Committee; And To Amend The Confidentiality Of And The Providing Of Information By The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Similar Bills

AR HB1354

To Regulate Pharmacy Benefits Managers; To Amend The Law Concerning The State And Public School Life And Health Insurance Program; And To Amend The Law Concerning Certain Health Benefit Plans.

MS SB2012

Mississippi Health Care Cost Transparency Act; enact.

NJ S334

Requires carriers to pass prescription drug savings to consumers.

NJ A1745

Requires carriers to pass prescription drug savings to consumers.

NJ S1390

Requires carriers to pass prescription drug savings to consumers.

AR HB1620

To Amend The Law Concerning Pharmacy Benefits Managers; And To Regulate Processing And Payment Of Pharmacy Claims.

CT SB00068

An Act Concerning The Department Of Social Services' Recommended Changes To The Medical Assistance And Pharmacy Statutes.

RI H5634

Prohibits any health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, manufacturer or other third-party payor from discriminating against any 340B entity participating in a drug discount program.