The Board of Pharmacy voted to suspend enforcement of Act 630 of 2025, a first-in-the-nation law intended to prevent pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting specialty drugs to limited distribution networks and to expand access for Arkansas pharmacies. The Board’s action follows a federal court ruling by U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky, who found that the law likely violates the U.S. Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause by discriminating in favor of in-state commerce. Chain, independent and oncology pharmacies in Arkansas that are not part of manufacturer-approved networks will remain unable to dispense certain specialty medications.
Also in Arkansas, the Legislative Council recently approved a proposed rule package updating Board of Pharmacy regulations implementing Acts 637, 938 and 961 of 2025. These changes are primarily technical in nature and align Board rules with legislation enacted during the 2025 legislative session.
- Establish standards for emergency medication kits in licensed alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs.
- Update compounding regulations to allow dispensing of medications from FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facilities.
- Revise Board member qualifications to reflect changes in state law.
- Modernize pharmacy regulations by updating off-site order entry requirements and removing outdated provisions.
Finally in Arkansas, Immunize AR will host its 10th Annual Immunization Summit on August 21 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. This year’s theme, “The Power of Prevention: Advancing Immunizations in a Changing Landscape,” highlights the importance of staying ahead in the evolving field of immunization. The conference includes 5.75 hours of continuing education for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, as well as breakfast, lunch and refreshments.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.