AR HB1521

Adds Arkansas Code § 12-75-134 to codify executive orders related to COVID-19 pandemic response, effective immediately with emergency clause, expiring May 1, 2023 unless extended by the General Assembly.

Authorizes healthcare providers to conduct triage, diagnostic testing, treatment, cancel elective procedures, redeploy staff within their licensure scope, implement crisis care standards, and reduce recordkeeping requirements in response to COVID-19.

Permits healthcare providers to remove work hour limits for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses to maintain adequate staffing during the pandemic.

Grants healthcare providers immunity from liability for death, injury, or property damage resulting from good faith COVID-19 emergency management efforts, except for willful, reckless, or intentional misconduct.

Allows healthcare providers to use any prescription drug or device to treat known or suspected COVID-19 patients within their licensure scope if they inform patients of known positive and negative outcomes and document informed consent in medical records.