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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
physicians; naturopathic medicine
Purpose
Requires Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) contractors to contract with naturopathic physicians and approve a list of covered treatments for naturopathic services.
Background
Naturopathic medicine is a medical system of diagnosing and treating diseases, 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).
To be qualified for a naturopath license, an applicant must: 1) be a graduate of an approved school of naturopathic medicine; 2) have satisfactorily completed an approved internship, preceptorship or clinical training program in naturopathic medicine; and 3) possess a good moral and professional reputation (A.R.S. § 32-1522). The Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board processes and issues certificates to dispense and certificates to conduct preceptorships to qualified licensees (Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board).
An AHCCCS contractor is a person or entity that has a prepaid capitated contract with the AHCCCS to provide health care to members or persons either directly or through subcontracts with providers.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires, effective October 1, 2022, the Director of AHCCCS to require contractors to contract with at least one naturopathic physician in each geographical service area in which contractor is contracted.
2. Requires AHCCCS, within six months after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approve a state plan amendment authorizing AHCCCS to contract for naturopathic physician services, to approve a list of supplements, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, drugs, therapies, devices, modalities and other natural substances prescribed, dispensed or used by these physicians in providing covered services to members.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2022
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