pharmacy benefit managers; pharmacy permits

SB 1545 prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or holding retail pharmacy permits in Arizona. It requires the state board to revoke or not renew permits held by entities violating this rule, but allows temporary "limited service" permits for pharmacies dispensing rare or hard-to-find medications to ensure patient access. Pharmacies receiving notice of potential permit revocation must inform affected patients and providers 60 days before January 1, 2027. The bill creates specific processes for requesting limited service permits, notifying the board about unavailable medications, and includes exceptions for pharmacy employers that own PBMs or exclusively serve their own employees.