HB1795

To Create The Fertility Clinic Licensure Act.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1795, the Fertility Clinic Licensure Act, establishes a regulatory framework for medical facilities and professionals that collect, preserve, or implant human embryos. The bill requires any medical facility performing in vitro fertilization in Arkansas to obtain a separate state license as a fertility clinic. It authorizes the Department of Health to charge an annual $1,000 licensing fee for such clinics. Furthermore, the bill mandates that these clinics report non-personally identifiable data to the Department of Health, mirroring requirements under the federal Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act of 1992. Facilities that fail to comply with these reporting requirements face a $50,000 fine. The Department of Health is tasked with compiling annual public reports on the data collected and presenting findings to specific legislative committees.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are the state government and the public, as the bill increases oversight and transparency regarding fertility clinic operations in Arkansas. By mandating reporting and licensure, the state gains the ability to monitor industry standards and collect data, which may provide patients with more accessible information about clinic success rates and practices.

Who Might Suffer?

Fertility clinics and medical professionals providing in vitro fertilization services are the most directly impacted, as they must comply with new, separate licensure requirements, pay annual fees, and submit mandatory reports to the state. The $50,000 fine for non-compliance represents a significant financial risk for these institutions. Additionally, patients may experience indirect impacts if the increased costs of compliance for clinics are passed on through higher fees for fertility treatments.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us