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Pharma trade groups urge caution as committee advances bill to widen local access to limited-distribution specialty drugs
Summary
House Bill 1531, aimed at allowing Arkansas specialty pharmacies to obtain limited-distribution drugs locally, passed the committee after proponents said it would improve patient access; national manufacturers warned the measure is ambiguous and could create compliance and safety issues without clearer definitions and process.
The Senate Insurance & Commerce Committee voted to advance House Bill 1531 after hearing competing testimony about access to limited-distribution specialty medications.
Representative Brandon Acre, the sponsor, said the bill would allow Arkansas-based specialty pharmacies and hospital pharmacies that meet manufacturer criteria to obtain limited-distribution drugs now often routed through out-of-state mail-order channels. Acre cited patient-access concerns during weather events and…
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