KUAR | By Andrew DeMillo / The Associated Press, Kim Chandler / The Associated Press

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed legislation Wednesday prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating pharmacies, becoming the first state to enact such a restriction.

The measure comes as other states are considering restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, which run prescription drug coverage for big clients that include health insurers and employers that provide coverage.

Supporters of the restrictions have said pharmacy benefit managers are forcing independent pharmacies, especially in rural areas, out of business.

Arkansas bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in state

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

An investigation is ongoing after the first locally-acquired case of malaria was reported in Arkansas last week.

The Arkansas Department of Health says a resident of Saline County contracted the disease from an infected mosquito, but has since been released from the hospital. Malaria is potentially fatal, and can cause chills, fever and sweating typically a few weeks after being bitten.

Dr. Naveen Patil is deputy state health officer and medical director of infectious diseases at the Health Department. He says they’ve been testing mosquitoes for the malaria parasite.

Arkansas Department of Health investigating locally-acquired malaria case