AR SB444

Expands the definition of "healthcare service" to include medical research in addition to medical care, covering activities from initial examination through recordkeeping and all treatments

Grants medical field workers (contractors and employees) the explicit right to refuse participation in abortions, assisted suicide, or gender transition procedures, except for emergency care required under federal law

Allows religious healthcare entities to make employment, staffing, contracting, and admitting privilege decisions consistent with their stated religious beliefs

Protects healthcare providers from discrimination for reporting suspected violations to employers or government agencies, and protects medical practitioners' First Amendment speech unless it directly caused physical harm to a patient within three years

Requires licensing boards to provide practitioners with complaints within 21 days or pay a $500 per day administrative penalty, and prohibits political subdivisions from requiring certifications from boards that revoke credentials based on protected speech