Expanding consumer access to pharmacies

T he Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor endorsed legislation that I sponsored to expand consumer access to pharmacies when they’re in the hospital. Senate Bill 58 would repeal a prohibition now in state law that prevents non-profit hospitals from having a pharmacy licensed to sell retail drugs. Arkansas is the only state in the country with such a prohibition, and supporters of the bill say it should be easier for patients to purchase necessary medications when they are discharged from the hospital.

The next step for SB 58 will be consideration by the entire Senate. In order to become law it must also be approved by the House of Representatives.

Also this week, I filed SB 59 to provide all students with breakfast, at no cost, no matter whether or not they are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. It would take effect during the 2025-2026 school year.

SB 59 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education, which will review it in detail and allow the public to comment on it.

In other news, the House approved a bill being referred to as “tort reform light.” It is House Bill 1204 to limit damages that some injured plaintiffs can recover in civil lawsuits.

The bill would allow plaintiffs to recover only what insurance companies have paid for medical treatment, not the amount charged by hospitals and physicians.

Sometimes insurers have a contract with medical providers that allow for payments lower than the original charges for services rendered. Sometimes a plaintiff receives an amount equal to what was charged, rather than what the insurance company actually paid. That difference is known as “phantom damages.”

Students’ access to cell phones during the school day would be restricted under SB 142, which was filed and referred to the Senate Education Committee. It’s called the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” and it has 15 Senate sponsors.

One purpose is to improve academic performance by removing distractions from the classroom. Another goal is to improve the emotional and mental health of teenagers who spend too much time on social media.

Arkansas schools and the legislature have already begun work on the issue. Last year lawmakers approved using $7 million to help schools pay for pouches and storage lockers to keep students’ cell phones during the day.

Some parents have said they want their children to have cell phones handy in case of an incident like a school shooting. However, some school safety experts say that cell phones distract students even during shootings, because they focus on texting loved ones instead of following directions and moving to safe locations.

Sen. Reginald Murdock