summary
Introduced
02/04/2021
02/04/2021
In Committee
03/17/2021
03/17/2021
Crossed Over
02/10/2021
02/10/2021
Passed
03/22/2021
03/22/2021
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/29/2021
03/29/2021
Introduced Session
93rd General Assembly (2021 Regular)
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO CREATE THE MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, aims to protect the right of conscience for medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, and healthcare payers in Arkansas. It defines "conscience" as the religious, moral, or ethical beliefs of these entities, and prohibits discrimination against them for declining to participate in healthcare services that violate their conscience. The bill also requires healthcare payers to annually disclose the services they will not cover for conscience-based reasons, and prohibits them from compelling contracts that violate the conscience of providers or institutions. The bill allows for civil lawsuits and damages for violations of these protections.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (30)
Kim Hammer (R)*,
Brandt Smith (R)*,
Rick Beck (R),
Charles Beckham (R),
Mary Bentley (R),
Cecile Bledsoe (R),
Harlan Breaux (R),
Karilyn Brown (R),
Joe Cloud (R),
Scott Flippo (R),
Trent Garner (R),
Jimmy Gazaway (R),
Ben Gilmore (R),
Bart Hester (R),
Missy Irvin (R),
Blake Johnson (R),
Mark Johnson (R),
Jack Ladyman (R),
Mark Lowery (R),
Robin Lundstrum (R),
Austin McCollum (R),
John Payton (R),
Clint Penzo (R),
Jason Rapert (R),
Marcus Richmond (R),
Johnny Rye (R),
Nelda Speaks (R),
Gary Stubblefield (R),
Dan Sullivan (R),
Richard Womack (R),
Last Action
Notification that SB289 is now Act 462 (on 03/29/2021)
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