ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session
	Senate: HHS DPA 7-0-1-0 │ 3^rd Read 28-0-2-0

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SB 1366: AHCCCS; naturopathic physicians; contractors

Sponsor: Senator Barto, LD 15

Committee on Health & Human Services

Overview

Expands the definition of physicians that provide covered services for members through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to include naturopathic physicians. Contains a conditional enactment clause.

History

AHCCCS statute defines a physician as a person licensed as a medical doctor or as an osteopathic surgeon or physician (A.R.S. § 36-2901).

An applicant wishing to receive a license to practice naturopathic medicine from the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board (board) is required to:

1) Be a graduate of an approved school of naturopathic medicine;

2) Have satisfactorily completed an improved preceptorship, internship or a clinical training program in naturopathic medicine;

3) Be mentally and physically fit to practice as a doctor of naturopathic medicine;

4) Not be guilty of an act of unprofessional conduct or other conduct that would be grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation of a license under law;

5) Possesses a good moral and professional reputation;

6) Not have had a license to practice any profession refused, revoked or suspended by any other state, district or territory of the United States or another country for reasons that relate to the applicant's ability to practice as a physician safely and skillfully in Arizona; and

7) File a completed application pursuant to law and have met the outlined examination requirements (A.R.S. § 32-1522).

The practice of naturopathic medicine is the diagnosing and treating disease, injuries, ailments, infirmities and other conditions of the human mind and body, including by natural means, drugless methods, drugs, nonsurgical methods, devices, physical, electrical, hygienic and sanitary measures and all forms of physical agents and modalities (A.R.S. § 32-1501).

Provisions

1. Modifies the definition of a physician that provides covered services to AHCCCS members by including licensed naturopathic physicians. (Sec. 1)

2. Conditions the enactment of this legislation on October 1 following the approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). (Sec. 2)

3. Requires AHCCCS, by October 1, 2025, to notify the Director of the Arizona Legislative Council in writing of either the date of the approval by CMS or that CMS did not approve AHCCCS's request. (Sec. 2)

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7.                   SB 1366

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