Arkansas House Bill HB1357

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Create The Rare Disease Advisory Council.

Impact

The creation of the Rare Disease Advisory Council signifies a notable advancement in addressing the specific needs of patients with rare diseases in Arkansas. It is designed to enhance collaboration among health professionals, state agencies, and patient advocacy groups to create a more informed approach to treatment inclusivity. By involving experts in the approval processes for medications and treatments for rare diseases, the bill may improve the quality of care and accessibility for patients, aligning with broader health strategy efforts within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1357 aims to establish the Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Human Services in Arkansas. This council will provide expert clinical advice related to drugs and treatments for rare diseases. It will also offer input regarding access to care, insurance considerations, and necessary services for patients suffering from these health conditions. The bill identifies rare diseases by referring to those recognized as rare by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and ensures that the council's input is utilized in various health-related assessments and decisions.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 1357 has garnered support, there may be concerns regarding the potential administrative burden it places on the Arkansas Medicaid Drug Utilization Review Board and other state agencies. Critics may argue about the adequacy of resources allocated to this new council and how they will ensure the council's operations effectively translate into improved patient access and treatment outcomes. As the council will require input from various state representatives and healthcare professionals, the dynamics of member selection and the influence of lobbying may also provoke debates on its effectiveness.