AR SB149

Allows pharmacists to dispense lower cost interchangeable biosimilar drugs in place of prescribed biological products, with charges not exceeding the amount regularly charged for the original prescribed product.

Requires pharmacists to notify the prescriber in writing or electronically within 3 days of substituting an interchangeable biosimilar, including the full name and manufacturer of the substitute product.

Prohibits substitution if the purchaser does not agree to the charge, if the prescriber indicates in writing or by initial that no substitution should be made, if the patient requests the prescription be dispensed as written, or if the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy has determined the product shall not be substituted.

Requires pharmacists to inform patients before dispensing an interchangeable biosimilar as a substitute and to appropriately label the dispensed medication indicating the substitution.

Mandates the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy determine which biosimilar products are interchangeable based on FDA determinations and notify all licensed pharmacists and the Arkansas State Medical Board of these determinations.