AR HB1237

Medical professionals, their employees, agents, or independent contractors are prohibited from soliciting individuals injured in accidents or disasters within 30 days of the event, unless they have a prior family or professional relationship with the individual

Prohibited solicitation methods include in-person contact, telemarketing, phone calls, text messages, internet communications, and electronic direct messages; traditional advertising via mail, radio, or television remains permitted if not coercive or misleading

Violations constitute a Class D felony and are classified as deceptive trade practices under Arkansas law (§ 4-88-101 et seq.)

Any payment agreement resulting from illegal solicitation is void; patients or insurers who paid are entitled to a complete refund plus reasonable attorney's fees

Victims may pursue private civil action and recover actual pecuniary losses, costs, attorney's fees, plus the greater of $500 or twice the pecuniary loss