AR SB968

Physicians licensed in Arkansas must obtain prior approval from the State Medical Board to dispense legend drugs, except those who were dispensing drugs in the ordinary course of practice before the act's effective date.

The State Medical Board must determine whether medical need exists for a physician to dispense a specific legend drug based on nine factors, including patient access to other sources, distance to travel, hours of availability, and potential conflicts of interest.

The Board must evaluate whether the physician has implemented procedures to ensure compliance with drug interaction monitoring, proper storage and safeguarding of legend drugs, and reporting requirements to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Prescriptions for topical medications are exempt from the Board's approval requirements.

The act takes effect immediately upon Governor approval, expiration of the veto period, or veto override to provide certainty about physician prescriptive authority and drug availability.