SB309

Senate Bill 309 amends the Arkansas Health Care Consumer Act by revising the definition of the 'psychiatric collaborative care model.' The bill updates the reference dates for federal regulations and CMS guidance to January 1, 2025, to ensure the state definition remains current with federal standards. Additionally, the legislation expands the composition of the primary care team within this model to explicitly include clinical psychiatric pharmacists. To qualify for this role, pharmacists must possess an accredited pharmacy degree, hold a license in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, and either utilize a disease state management protocol or provide consultant services regarding drug information and medication therapy. The bill also notes that these pharmacists may hold national board certifications.