AR SB598

Adds new category to "professional relationship" allowing healthcare professionals licensed in Arkansas to conduct telemedicine via real-time interactive audio (telephone) if they have access to the patient's personal health record maintained by a physician or licensed healthcare professional.

Removes audio-only communication from the list of methods that do not establish a professional relationship, provided the communication is real-time, interactive, and substantially meets requirements for covered healthcare services, with proper medical record documentation.

Expands definition of "telemedicine" to include real-time interactive audio-only communication that substantially meets requirements for covered healthcare services, including telephone consultations.

Prohibits health benefit plans from imposing financial incentives or requirements that push covered persons toward commercial telemedicine providers or restricted telemedicine-only networks instead of their regular doctor or provider of choice.

Declares an emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the act effective immediately upon Governor approval to preserve citizen access to telemedicine healthcare services.