Arkansas DPC Guide¶
Quick Summary: Arkansas has DPC-enabling legislation (A.C.A. § 23-60-107) and permits physician medication dispensing. A low cost-of-living state with rural opportunities for DPC practice.
[!CAUTION] Verify Current Law: Always confirm current regulations with the Arkansas State Medical Board and review the Arkansas Code for the most current statutory language.
At a Glance¶
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| DPC Legislation | Yes — A.C.A. § 23-60-107 |
| Medication Dispensing | Permitted — Registration required |
| Medicare Opt-Out | Standard federal process |
| Tier | 2 (Moderate) |
DPC Law Status¶
Legislation¶
Statute: Arkansas Code Annotated § 23-60-107
Statute URL: Arkansas Code Title 23
Arkansas has DPC-enabling legislation exempting DPC agreements from insurance regulation.
Key provisions: - DPC agreements not considered insurance - Primary care services defined - Written agreement required
What This Means¶
- DPC practices operate outside insurance regulatory framework
- Legal clarity for membership model
- Standard business regulations apply
Medication Dispensing¶
Regulatory Status¶
Arkansas permits physician dispensing with registration.
Requirements¶
- DEA Registration: Required for controlled substances
- State Registration: Register with Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Board: pharmacyboard.arkansas.gov
- Controlled Substances: Permitted with proper registration
- Record Keeping: Maintain dispensing records per Board requirements
Licensing and Registration¶
Medical License¶
Board: Arkansas State Medical Board
Website: armedicalboard.org
Business Registration¶
Entity Registration: Arkansas Secretary of State
Website: sos.arkansas.gov
DEA Registration¶
Website: deadiversion.usdoj.gov
Medicare Considerations¶
MAC for Arkansas: Novitas Solutions (JH jurisdiction)
See Medicare Opt-Out Guide for detailed process.
Key Resources¶
State Agencies¶
| Agency | Purpose | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State Medical Board | Physician licensing | armedicalboard.org |
| Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy | Dispensing regulations | pharmacyboard.arkansas.gov |
| Arkansas Secretary of State | Business registration | sos.arkansas.gov |
Professional Organizations¶
| Organization | Website |
|---|---|
| Arkansas Medical Society | arkmed.org |
State-Specific Considerations¶
Low Cost of Living¶
- Among lowest cost-of-living states
- Lower overhead possible
- Competitive membership pricing feasible
Rural Opportunities¶
- Significant rural primary care shortage
- DPC can address access gaps
- Telehealth valuable for coverage
Checklist for Starting DPC in Arkansas¶
- Obtain or verify Arkansas medical license
- Register business entity with Secretary of State
- Obtain EIN from IRS
- Register with DEA (if prescribing controlled substances)
- Register with Board of Pharmacy (if dispensing)
- Secure malpractice insurance
- Develop membership agreement
- File Medicare opt-out affidavit (if applicable)