Rare disease patients face a number of obstacles when it comes to getting the proper diagnosis and treatment. There’s a lot of work being done to address these problems, some of which is legislative. In fact, two bills have recently been passed by Arkansas’ state legislature to improve the quality of care that rare disease patients receive.

Arkansas Act 97

This act, titled An Act to Regulate Step Therapy Protocols; And For Other Purposes, has already passed through and received acceptance from Arkansas’ State House of Representatives and Senate. It was signed into law on February 22 by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.

The focus of the bill is on step therapy, which is a method that insurance companies use to reduce the cost of treatment. It states that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are allowed to administer medications that have not been stocked in the ambulance, which provides a great benefit to patients with rare diseases like cystic fibrosis, bleeding disorders, and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, it makes way for a regulated path to utilize step therapy.

Rare disease patients are excited by this bill, as it helps them receive the best treatment without facing ridiculously high costs from insurance. Step therapy led to delays in treatment in the past as well, which is a problem that Arkansas Act 97 aims to remedy.

HB1177

HB1177 also focuses on step therapy and medication that can and cannot be administered by Emergency Medical Services. This bill states that EMS may give a patient personal medication that is not typically kept on the ambulance. Legislators note that while this is a rare occurrence, it will really help patients if the situation does arise.

If these medications can be given on the ambulance, then time and money are saved without a stay in the emergency room. EMS would also be notified of rare disease patients living in their areas so that they can carry the proper medications, making the system even smoother.

Hopefully these bills are able to improve the lives of rare disease patients. Read the source article here.