Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB502

Introduced
3/28/23  
Refer
3/28/23  
Report Pass
3/31/23  
Engrossed
4/3/23  
Refer
4/3/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The effects of SB502 would be significant, as it requires that wholesale distributors proactively engage with pharmacies to inform them about patterns or practices that might lead to restrictions on their ability to acquire controlled substances. The distributors must conduct interviews and inspections, provide notice of potential violations, and offer an appeal process, thus establishing a framework for resolution that emphasizes clarity and fairness. This structure aims to prevent sudden or unjust actions against pharmacies that could impact patient care and access to necessary medications.

Summary

Senate Bill 502 aims to establish regulations for wholesale distributors of controlled substances and legend drugs. The bill mandates that these distributors provide education, communication, and a well-defined due process for licensed professionals prior to making decisions to limit or terminate sales of controlled substances to them. This initiative is intended to enhance safety and accountability in the distribution of controlled substances, ensuring that pharmacies and licensed professionals are given an opportunity to address potential concerns before punitive actions can be taken against them.

Contention

During discussions of SB502, key points of contention arose regarding the balance of responsibilities between distributors and pharmacies. Supporters argue that the bill promotes transparency and improves communication between these entities, while critics express concerns that the added regulations might overburden distributors and complicate their operational processes. Some stakeholders highlight the necessity of prompt action against suspicious orders to mitigate potential risks associated with the distribution of controlled substances, emphasizing the need for a balance between due process and the urgency of public safety.

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 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 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 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

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 SB37

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas School For The Blind And Arkansas School For The Deaf Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1094

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Supplemental Appropriation.

Similar Bills

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 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.

WV SB150

Requiring wholesale drug distributors to report certain information to WV Board of Pharmacy

CA AB458

Importation of prescription drugs.

CA AB602

Pharmacy: nonprescription diabetes test devices.

MN HF1728

Application and renewal fees increased for opiate drug wholesalers, opiate product fee established for opiate drug wholesalers, and sunset for opioid fees eliminated.

MN SF2142

Application and renewal fees increase for opiate drug wholesalers

FL H0283

Storage and Disposal of Prescription Drugs and Sharps