Bill > HB1150

This bill aims to prohibit pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from obtaining pharmacy permits in Arkansas, addressing concerns about anticompetitive practices in the pharmacy market. The legislation finds that PBMs have been engaging in tactics that drive local pharmacies out of business and inflate drug prices, creating a conflict of interest by acting as both price setters and price takers. Under the bill, PBMs and their subsidiaries or entities with ownership interests in PBMs will be barred from holding permits for retail drug sales. The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy is required to revoke or not renew permits for entities violating this prohibition, effective January 1, 2026. The bill does provide some flexibility by allowing limited use permits for rare or orphan drugs that might otherwise be unavailable to patients, and includes provisions for pharmacies to request such permits through a defined process. Additionally, the board may extend permits for pharmacies that offer critical healthcare services if they are pending sale to an eligible buyer. The bill mandates that affected pharmacies provide written notice to patients and healthcare providers at least 60 days before losing their ability to dispense retail drugs, ensuring patients can find alternative pharmacy services. Notably, the law includes an exception for pharmacy employers who exclusively service their own employees and dependents through an affiliated PBM.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1150&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R