AR HB1029

Establishes a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) under Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 7 to monitor prescribing and dispensing of Schedule II-VI controlled substances and prevent drug diversion while protecting legitimate medical use.

Requires the Department of Health to maintain an electronic searchable database with prescription information submitted by dispensers at least every 30 days, with security measures to protect data integrity and access.

Limits data access to authorized prescribers/dispensers for patient care, individuals requesting their own records, state medical/pharmacy/nursing boards, Department of Human Services, and law enforcement with search warrants; protects patient privacy except in these circumstances.

Authorizes the Department of Health to share prescription monitoring data with other states and establish interoperability standards for electronic information sharing between state programs.

Establishes criminal penalties including Class A misdemeanor for unauthorized disclosure of information, Class B misdemeanor for unauthorized use, and Class C misdemeanor for dispensers who fail to submit or knowingly submit incorrect information; requires federal funding with no cost to pharmacists or pharmacies.