HB1150

House Bill 1150 seeks to prohibit pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from obtaining or holding retail pharmacy permits in the state of Arkansas. The legislature intends to reduce anticompetitive business practices and conflicts of interest, specifically addressing concerns that PBMs act as both price setters and price takers. The act mandates that the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy revoke or decline to renew retail permits for entities that violate this prohibition. Exceptions are provided for limited-use permits regarding rare, orphan, or limited-distribution drugs, and for specific employer-owned pharmacies that serve only their own employees. The bill requires the Board to notify impacted permit holders and necessitates that those holders inform their patients and providers of the impending closure or transition of services. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.