To Amend The Corporate Practice Of Medicine Doctrine; And To Authorize A Licensed Medical Professional Who Owns A Medical Corporation To Maintain Ownership Upon An Inactive License Or Retirement.
Impact
The proposed amendment may lead to increased stability for medical corporations owned by professionals nearing retirement. By allowing these individuals to retain ownership, the bill could help ensure continuity of management and potentially aid in the transition of management responsibilities to other licensed professionals. This could positively affect the healthcare landscape in Arkansas by promoting the growth and longevity of medical practices without necessitating immediate ownership changes upon retirement or a license becoming inactive.
Summary
Senate Bill 262 aims to amend the corporate practice of medicine doctrine in Arkansas. The bill proposes that a current licensed medical professional who owns a medical corporation would be allowed to maintain ownership even if their medical license becomes inactive or if they retire. This legislative change is significant as it alters the existing stipulations about ownership in medical corporations, thereby impacting how licensed professionals manage their companies as they transition out of active practice.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the implications of non-active license holders maintaining ownership of a medical corporation. Critics might argue that such a policy could lead to complications in accountability and raise concerns about the quality of medical oversight within these practices. For example, questions may surface regarding the management of medical quality and compliance with regulations if the owners are not actively licensed healthcare providers. Proponents, on the other hand, may counter that the bill protects the rights of medical professionals to manage their businesses without abrupt disruptions when they decide to retire or take a step back from active practice.
To Enact The Preceptor Tax Incentive Program; And To Provide Incentives For Certain Medical Or Counseling Professionals To Train Students Who Are Learning To Become Medical Or Counseling Professionals.
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.
To Amend The Law Concerning Rural Medical Practice Student Loans And Scholarships; And To Amend The Law To Include Students Enrolled In Additional Medical Programs As Eligible For Receipt Of Rural Medical Practice Loans.
To Allow Emergency Medical Responders To Be Licensed; And To Authorize Emergency Medical Responders To Be Reimbursed By Insurance Companies And The Arkansas Medicaid Program.
To Modify The Fees Charged By The Arkansas State Medical Board; And To Authorize The Arkansas State Medical Board To Reduce Fees If The Fee Reduction Is In The Best Interest Of The State.
To Exempt Over-the-counter Drugs Prescribed By A Medical Professional From Sales And Use Tax; And To Clarify Which Medical Professionals May Prescribe Drugs That Are Exempt From Sales And Use Tax.