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Senate committee advances bill to allow nonphysician ownership of clinics, drawing strong opposition from medical society
Summary
The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 572 to the floor after debate over whether allowing nonphysician ownership of medical practices would improve rural access or shift patient care toward business interests. Supporters argued it reflects current practice and could expand rural clinics; the Arkansas Medical Society urged rejection.
Senate Bill 572, which would clarify that a medical practice may have nonlicensed individuals in leadership roles so long as medical care remains directed by licensed physicians, passed out of the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee by voice vote.
Senator Dan Sullivan introduced the measure and said it aims to align statute with current practice so clinics with business managers or chief executive officers can operate without risking a technical violation of state law. "This amendment simply brings clarity to the fact that a medical practice may have a non licensed individual in leadership so long as the medical care is directed by a licensed physician," Sullivan said.
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