WeVote

Bill

Bill

HB 1554

TO CREATE THE ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY REPORTING ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alyssa Brown and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1554 mandates Arkansas fertility clinics to report ART data, improving transparency on success rates and outcomes for prospective parents and researchers.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE- HOUSE
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1554

Summary of House Bill 1554: Assisted Reproductive Technology Reporting Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1554, introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly, aims to establish the Assisted Reproductive Technology Reporting Act. The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance the tracking and reporting of data related to assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures in Arkansas. This is intended to provide prospective parents, lawmakers, and researchers with better insights into ART practices, success rates, and health outcomes.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to existing laws governing ART in Arkansas:

1. Establishment of Reporting Requirements

  • Fertility clinics will be mandated to track and report key data points related to ART, including:
    • Total number of embryos created and their outcomes (e.g., perish due to natural causes, genetic testing, or intentional destruction).
    • Instances of negligence leading to the loss of human reproductive material.
    • Success rates of embryo transfers and the number of live births resulting from ART procedures.

2. Definitions and Scope

  • The bill provides comprehensive definitions for terms related to ART, including:
    • Assisted Reproductive Technology: Encompasses various procedures such as in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and embryo cryopreservation.
    • Cycle: Refers to a single ART procedure, detailing the processes involved from egg retrieval to embryo transfer.

3. Data Privacy

  • The reported data will be aggregated and will not include personally identifiable information, ensuring patient confidentiality while still providing valuable statistical insights.

4. Oversight by the Department of Health

  • The Arkansas Department of Health will oversee the implementation of these reporting requirements, ensuring compliance and accuracy in the data collected.

Affected Parties

  • Fertility Clinics: Required to comply with new reporting standards.
  • Prospective Parents: Will benefit from improved access to data regarding ART success rates and practices.
  • Researchers and Lawmakers: Will gain insights into ART trends and outcomes, aiding in policy-making and healthcare improvements.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 21, 2025
  • Amendment Adopted: February 26, 2025
  • Withdrawn by Author: April 1, 2025
  • Recommended for Study: April 1, 2025

The bill has undergone several legislative actions, including amendments to refine its provisions and ensure clarity in reporting requirements. It was ultimately recommended for further study by the Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.

Conclusion

House Bill 1554 represents a significant step towards improving the transparency and accountability of assisted reproductive technology practices in Arkansas. By establishing comprehensive reporting requirements, the legislation aims to empower prospective parents and enhance the overall understanding of ART outcomes in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.