AR SB480

Creates the Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act, adding new regulations to Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 99 governing healthcare contracts between insurers and providers.

Prohibits "all-products clauses" that require healthcare providers to serve in all provider networks or health benefit plans offered by a contracting entity or affiliated insurers as a condition of participation, with limited exceptions for contracts with identical reimbursement rates.

Prohibits "most favored nation clauses" that prevent providers from contracting with competitors at lower prices, require acceptance of lower payments if offering services elsewhere at lower rates, or require disclosure of contractual reimbursement rates with other entities.

Requires contracting entities to provide 90 days' written notice before implementing material amendments (fee reductions, payment methodology changes, new coding guidelines, or increased administrative burden) and mandates healthcare contracts open for renegotiation at least once every three years.

Applies effective September 1, 2019, except for risk-based provider organizations which must comply beginning January 1, 2021; violations constitute unfair trade practices under the Trade Practices Act with void contracts as remedies; enforced by the State Insurance Department.