AP photo shows exterior of national pharmacy chain CVS.
Two new Arkansas laws aimed at improving patient access to prescription drugs take effect Tuesday, following strong support from lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session.
Act 52 lifts the state’s ban on nonprofit hospitals operating retail pharmacies. Supporters say this change will help patients access more medications around the clock, especially in underserved areas. Hospitals can now open pharmacies within 250 yards of their campuses and in connection with infusion centers. They may also add one pharmacy for every 100 hospital beds.
Act 630 prohibits drug manufacturers from limiting distribution of medications to select out of state pharmacies. Supporters say the law will reduce delays caused by mail order only drug systems and allow more Arkansas pharmacies to offer specialized medications. CARTI and UAMS backed the law, saying it will expand access to cancer drugs and clinical trial treatments.
“These patients should not be contingent on an airplane or a FedEx truck,” said Representative Brandon Achor, R-Maumelle, who sponsored Act 630. “They should be able to access pharmacies in real time.”
A third law, Act 624, which bans pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from holding pharmacy permits in Arkansas, has been temporarily blocked in federal court. The state has appealed, arguing the law protects independent pharmacies from unfair practices. PBMs like CVS Caremark, OptumRx and Express Scripts manage most prescription drug claims in the U.S. and have been accused of steering patients to their own affiliated pharmacies.
For a detailed analysis on the recently enacted legislation visit this story from the Arkansas Advocate.
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