AR’s Tough PBM Bill & Uncertain Future for NY’s Health Data Privacy Bill

AR Lawmakers Considering Aggressive PBM Regulation

A bill (HB 1150) under consideration in the Arkansas House may be the most aggressive effort to regulate pharmacy benefit mangers yet. The measure would bar PBMs from owning pharmacies, potentially forcing healthcare conglomerates like CVS Caremark and United Health’s Optum Rx to split up their businesses in Arkansas. (PLURIBUS NEWS, LEXISNEXIS STATE NET)

Future Uncertain for NY’s Health Data Privacy Bill

The “Health Information Privacy Act” (SB 929) was one of the first major bills to be passed by New York’s Legislature this year. But whether it will be signed into law remains uncertain.

The measure, which would prohibit the sale of health data by any health-related app to third parties without consumers’ consent, was aimed in part at protecting the privacy of those seeking reproductive care, including abortions. And while Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has been a staunch defender of a woman’s right to have an abortion, she will likely face strong opposition from health tech companies at a time when her administration is trying to make the state more business-friendly. (TIMES UNION, LEXISNEXIS STATE NET)

—Compiled by SNCJ Managing Editor KOREY CLARK

 Visit our webpage to connect with a LexisNexis® State Net® representative and learn how the State Net legislative and regulatory tracking service can help you identify, track, analyze and report on relevant legislative and regulatory developments.