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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
physicians; naturopathic medicine
Purpose
Effective on approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), includes naturopathic physicians in the definition of physicians that provide covered services for members through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
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. Includes naturopathic physicians in the definition of physicians that provide covered services to AHCCCS members.
2. Requires, by October 1, 2025, AHCCCS to notify the Director of Legislative Council in writing of either:
a) the date that CMS approves the request for naturopaths to be recognized as physicians by AHCCCS for the purpose of providing covered services to members; or
b) the denial of the request.
3. Conditions the enactment of this legislation on approval by CMS, to become effective on the October 1 immediately following CMS approval.
4. Makes technical changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date, subject to the provisions of the conditional enactment.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
1. Removes the requirement for AHCCCS contractors to contract with at least one naturopathic physician and to approve a list of covered naturopathic services.
2. Requires, by October 1, 2025, AHCCCS to notify the Director of Legislative Council in writing of either:
a) the date that CMS approves the request for naturopaths to be recognized as physicians by AHCCCS for the purpose of providing covered services to members; or
b) the denial of the request.
Senate Action
HHS 2/21/22 DPA 7-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
February 22, 2022
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