In Monday’s news, KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News had comments from John Vinson, the CEO of the Arkansas Pharmacy Association, discussing how a bill introduced in an Arkansas Senate committee last week, that is expected to come back up during this session, could have a big impact on local pharmacies.In today’s report, we hear how that bill, Senate Bill 58, could also have an impact on non-profit hospitals from Baxter Health President/CEO Ron Peterson.
Senate Bill 58 is sponsored by Republican Senator Jonathan Dismang of Searcy who says the legislation is intended to make it easier for patients to obtain the medication they need before being discharged from the hospital.
The bill failed to get a majority vote in the Senate Health, Welfare and Labor committee with four votes in favor and four votes against. Three area legislators cast votes on the bill. Among those voting in favor were Republican Senators Scott Flippo of Bull Shoals and Missy Irvin of Mountain View, who is a co-sponsor of the bill. Among those voting against was Republican Senator John Payton of Wilburn.
Peterson says if the bill passes, there are several areas of patient care that would greatly improve.
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The hospital leader says he doesn’t think local pharmacies will be forced out of business if the bill passes.
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The bill is specifically for non-profit hospitals, which Peterson says is likely because of the 340B drug pricing program.
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Click here to view Senate Bill 58.
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