Online Pharmacy Laws in Arkansas

Prescription Requirements in Arkansas

Arkansas has specific requirements for prescription medications:

• Valid prescriptions: All controlled medications require a legitimate prescription from a licensed Arkansas healthcare provider
• Controlled substances: Schedule II-V prescriptions must comply with both federal DEA requirements and Arkansas state law
• Prescription refills: Schedule II medications cannot be refilled. Schedule III-V medications may be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months
• E-prescribing: Arkansas may require electronic prescribing for controlled medications — verify current requirements with the state board
• Pharmacist duties: Pharmacists in Arkansas play an important role in medication safety and patient counseling

Telehealth Regulations in Arkansas

Arkansas permits telehealth prescribing of non-Schedule II controlled medications after an initial in-person evaluation.

• Licensure requirement: Healthcare providers must hold a valid Arkansas license to provide telehealth services to patients located in Arkansas
• Prescribing via telehealth: Providers may prescribe medications via telehealth, including controlled medications, provided they establish a valid provider-patient relationship
• Telehealth parity: Verify whether Arkansas requires health plans to cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits
• Patient-provider relationship: A valid patient-provider relationship is required before any prescriptions can be issued via telehealth

Prescription Drug Monitoring in Arkansas

Arkansas operates the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (AR-PMP) as its Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This system tracks all controlled substance prescriptions dispensed within the state.

• Mandatory checking: Prescribers and dispensers may be required to check the PDMP before prescribing or dispensing controlled medications
• Purpose: To identify potential drug abuse, diversion, and inappropriate prescribing patterns
• Schedule coverage: The PDMP typically tracks Schedule II-V controlled medications

Online Pharmacy Regulations in Arkansas

Arkansas has regulations governing internet pharmacies and mail-order pharmacies:

• Licensing requirement: All pharmacies operating in Arkansas, including internet pharmacies, must be properly licensed
• Prescription requirements: Valid prescriptions from licensed prescribers are required for all prescription medications
• Verification: Patients should verify that internet pharmacies are licensed in Arkansas through the appropriate state board
• NABP VIPPS: The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program provides additional verification

Arkansas Resources