This Rule is issued pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 23-99-414 which authorizes the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner (“Commissioner”) to promulgate rules necessary to carry out the “Arkansas Health Care Consumer Act” subchapter. Act 992 of 2015, “An Act to Regulate the Prior Authorization Procedure for Treatment of a Terminal Illness,” adds various provisions to the prior authorization section in the “Arkansas Health Care Consumer Act” pertaining to prescription pain medication for persons with terminal illnesses. This Rule is also issued pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 23-61-108(a)(1) and (b)(1). The requirements in Act 992 of 2015 were not later codified in the Prior Authorization subchapter in Act 1106 of 2015, the “Prior Authorization Transparency Act.” The Arkansas Insurance Department (“Department”) however interprets the provisions in Act 992 of 2015 to be enforceable and valid as enacted. The Department is also promulgating the requirements in Act 992 of 2015 to clarify their application to health benefit plans as defined in this Rule, subject to requirements of this Rule.