🚫 Arkansas Bans PBMs from Owning Pharmacies

Arkansas just passed House Bill 1150, making it illegal for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to own or hold permits for retail pharmacies in the state—starting January 1, 2026.

The law aims to eliminate conflicts of interest (think: “fox guarding the henhouse”) by stopping PBMs from controlling both drug pricing and pharmacy operations.

🧾 Key Points:

• PBMs and affiliates can’t hold pharmacy permits (including mail-order).
• Permits will be revoked or not renewed after Jan 1, 2026.
• Exceptions include:
  • Temporary 90-day permits for rare drugs (sunsets Sept 1, 2027)
  • Extensions for critical services if the pharmacy is being sold
  • In-house pharmacies serving only a company’s employees

🗓️ Deadlines:

• July 1, 2025: Pharmacy Board starts assessments
• Sept 30, 2025: Violation notices sent
• Oct 31, 2025: Affected pharmacies must notify patients and prescribers

💬 Industry Response:

• PBMs warn of pharmacy closures and service disruptions.
• Independent pharmacies applaud the move.
• 39 Attorneys General are urging Congress to take similar action.

📌 Bottom line: Arkansas is drawing a hard line between drug pricing managers and pharmacies. This could be a major turning point in pharmacy regulation nationwide.

If you would like to talk more about this, give us a call at 520-721-4848.