SB78 Summary

• Arkansas State Medical Board must conduct an analysis of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by December 1, 2017, assessing whether participation would shorten medical licensure timeframes, its fiscal impact, and potential conflicts with the state's Centralized Credentials Verification Service.

• The board shall report findings and recommendations to the Governor, House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, and Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.

• Following board recommendations, both House and Senate committees shall recommend to the Legislative Council whether Arkansas should participate in the compact.

• By July 1, 2018, the board shall issue recommendations regarding any legislation needed based on committee recommendations, including whether the Governor has approved such legislation.

• Bill includes the full text of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which creates a streamlined multi-state licensure process for eligible physicians while maintaining state medical board authority and patient safety standards.