In Arkansas, groundbreaking legislation has been signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. House Bill 1150 represents a major development in pharmacy regulation within the state. Effective from January 1, 2026, the law prohibits issuance of state permits to pharmacies owned by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). This legislative move was spearheaded by the Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA) and supported by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), which advocates for independent community pharmacies nationally.
APA has actively promoted HB 1150, working alongside the NCPA, to advance PBM reform. The association has been vocal about the conflicts of interest and anti-competitive practices involving PBMs. Practices at issue include restrictive contractual terms, patient steering, and punitive auditing measures that adversely affect community pharmacies and their ability to serve patients effectively. The prohibition of PBM-owned pharmacies through HB 1150 aims to eliminate such practices, thereby protecting public health and improving access to quality care in Arkansas.
John Vinson, CEO of the APA, expressed his support for the new law: “Today is a new day in Arkansas for our patients as the fox will no longer guard the henhouse." He further stated the legislation passed to protect public health and safety, expressing gratitude to the legislature, the Governor, and Attorney General Tim Griffin for their support.
Anne Cassity, NCPA’s senior vice president of government affairs, emphasized the importance of this legislation, remarking, “HB 1150 is a structural change that gets to the heart of the problem – the conflicts of interest inherent in vertical integration.” Cassity conveyed eagerness to see the law's implementation and potential adoption in other regions.
The influence of Arkansas’s law extends beyond its borders, as similar legislative measures are being considered in states such as Indiana, New York, Texas, and Vermont. Recently, a bipartisan coalition of 39 state and territory attorneys general called upon congressional leaders to adopt national legislation prohibiting PBM ownership of pharmacies. This effort is currently reflected in a bill introduced by Senators Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren, and Representatives Diana Harshbarger and Jake Auchincloss.
The APA, established in 1882, represents over 2,300 pharmacists, pharmacy students, technicians, and industry members in Arkansas. The association is committed to promoting public health by supporting pharmacists' roles as leaders in healthcare. Similarly, the NCPA, founded in 1898, represents over 18,900 community pharmacies across the United States, advocating for their role as accessible healthcare providers.
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