AR HB1688

Updates the existing Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Act of 2009 to reflect current epidemiological data and Governor Asa Hutchinson's "80% by 2018" pledge to increase colorectal cancer screenings

Establishes the Arkansas Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Program within the Department of Health to provide screenings and diagnostic services to individuals aged 50 and older, those under 50 at high risk, and low-income individuals

Creates a Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Advisory Committee with 14 members representing healthcare providers, cancer survivors, advocacy organizations, and the Arkansas Minority Health Commission to advise on program implementation

Establishes a Colorectal Cancer Research Program within the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to conduct research on prevention, early detection, treatment, and behavioral strategies

Identifies 17 Arkansas counties with higher colorectal cancer incidence rates requiring targeted outreach and creates an Oversight Committee on Colorectal Cancer Research to award research grants based on scientific merit