AR SB845

Adds Arkansas Code § 17-80-117 defining telemedicine as clinical healthcare delivery using technology including interactive audio, audiovisual connections, secure video conferencing, and store-and-forward technology to enable patient assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and care management.

Requires healthcare practitioners providing telemedicine to be licensed and residing in Arkansas, maintain the same standard of care as face-to-face treatment, and establish a professional relationship with patients through prior in-person encounter or interactive technology before diagnosis or prescribing.

Permits telemedicine technology to exclude audio-only, email, text messages, or online questionnaires, but requires audio or audiovisual options available 24 hours daily in areas lacking high-speed internet access.

Prohibits telemedicine from being used to perform drug-induced, chemical, or surgical abortions.

Amends Arkansas Code § 17-92-1003(15) to recognize professional relationships established under § 17-80-117 as meeting the "proper practitioner-patient relationship" requirement for prescription issuance and declares an emergency effective upon governor approval.