Arkansas prior authorization laws (2026)

General reference compiled from public statutes and the AMA state-law chart. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; confirm the current law before relying on it.

Decision deadlines

Prior authorization (State-regulated health plans)
Standard decision: 2 business_days. Expedited: 1 business_days.
AR Code § 23-99-1118 (HB 1271) · source

Gold-card law

Providers with a strong approval history may be exempted from prior authorization for qualifying services, with an approval threshold around 90% (6-month evaluation period). Prescription drugs are included. Confirm current eligibility with the payer.
Arkansas Act 575 (2023) · source

Patient-protection mandates

Retrospective Denial Prohibition
A PA cannot be rescinded, limited, or conditioned for at least 90 days after it is granted (exceptions: service never performed, untimely claim, ineligibility, fraud).
AR Code § 23-99-1118 (HB 1271) · source

Frequently asked questions

How long does an insurer have to decide a prior authorization in Arkansas?

Under AR Code § 23-99-1118 (HB 1271), a standard prior authorization decision is generally due within 2 business_days, and an expedited decision within 1 business_days. Confirm the current statute, as timeframes vary by plan type.

Does Arkansas have a gold-card prior authorization law?

Yes. Arkansas has a gold-card law (Arkansas Act 575 (2023)) that can exempt providers with a strong approval history from prior authorization for qualifying services. Confirm current eligibility thresholds with the payer.

What prior authorization patient protections does Arkansas have?

Arkansas law includes retrospective denial prohibition. Each is grounded in a specific statute (see above).

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