Gov. Sara Huckaby Sanders (R) recently appointed Jimmy Harris to serve as the new Commissioner of the Insurance Department (AID). Harris is expected to be more aggressive on enforcement of complaints against PBM’s violating the laws and rules.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Insurance Department (AID) issued Bulletin 12-2025 which seeks public input on revisions to the Data Submission Guide for the All-Payer Claims Database.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Board of Pharmacy finalized rules that permit pharmacies to utilize up to four (4) support staff members per supervising pharmacist. This includes pharmacy technicians and other non-intern personnel. Licensed interns participating in an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited experiential programs and graduate interns are excluded from the ratio count, as are non-clinical personnel such as clerks and delivery staff. This change is part of a broader effort to modernize pharmacy regulations and provide greater operational flexibility.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

On July 28,a federal judge for the US District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas Central Division granted a preliminary injunction to stop the implementation of HB 1150/Act 624, a state law prohibiting out-of-state PBMs from operating pharmacies inside the state, due to take effect on January 1, 2026. The reason given in the court order was because it likely violates the Commerce Clause, and it is likely preempted by TRICARE.  

Also in Arkansas, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved a new section 1115 demonstration titled "Arkansas Opportunities to Test Transition-Related Strategies to Support Community Reentry from Incarceration and Institutions for Mental Disease." It allows the state to receive federal financial participation (FFP) for Medicaid state plan services provided to adult beneficiaries who are in institutions for mental disease (IMD) for substance use disorder (SUD) or serious mental illness (SMI) treatment.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

NACDS sponsored the Arkansas Pharmacist Association's (APA) annual meeting. Gov. Sarah Huckaby Sanders (R) spoke about the importance of supporting our patients and their access to affordable healthcare. Chain and independent pharmacists thanked the Governor for her support of the profession and patients by protecting pharmacy access and ensuring patients across the state receive the care they deserve. 

Also in Arkansas, the Insurance Department issued Bulletin No. 9-2025, Arkansas 2025 Legislation report, summarizing newly adopted insurance laws. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

The Insurance Department (AID) issued Bulletin 8-2025 on the extension of Rule 128 data reporting deadline for plan year 2026.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) announced the Grocery Tax Relief Act, SB 377, sponsored by Senate President Bart Hester (R) and Rep. Kendon Underwood (R), would eliminate the state’s grocery tax by January 1, 2026. Referred to as the Good Neighbor Act, the bill seeks to expand legal protections for food bank donors, including churches, restaurants, farmers, grocery stores and wholesalers. It is estimated that it will return nearly $10.9 million to taxpayers annually.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Several Walgreens pharmacists, including Nichole Cover, Director of Pharmacy Affairs, and Christina Kelley, Pharmacy Manager, participated in the Arkansas Pharmacy Day at the Capitol in February with Arkansas Pharmacy Association President John Vinson and Harding University College of Pharmacy student pharmacist, Ethan Pell.  

Also in Arkansas, the Insurance Department's (AID) Commissioner Alan McClain issued Bulletin 2-2025 updating the PBM reporting process, extending the review period for Rule 128 submissions because of the high volume of reports received. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

HB 1150 prohibits out-of-state PBMs from having in-state pharmacies, passed the Committee on Commerce and Insurance and is pending further action by the House.

Also in Arkansas SB 58, Act 52, is a new law approved on February 13, 2025, removes the prohibition for a nonprofit tax-exempt, or government-funded hospitals, to hold a licensed pharmacy permit.

Finally in Arkansas, HB 1442, is a patient freedom to choose their pharmacy and prevent anti-competitive practices bill was scheduled for a hearing in the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on February 20.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.