 |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
AHCCCS; naturopathic physicians
Purpose
Effective on the approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), adds naturopathic physicians (naturopaths) to the definition of physicians eligible to 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 through natural means, drug and drugless methods, 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 regulates licensed naturopaths and naturopathic medical students in Arizona and processes and issues certificates to dispense and certificates to conduct preceptorships to qualified licensees (Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board).
For the purpose of providing covered services for AHCCCS members, eligible physicians are defined as persons licensed as doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy (A.R.S. § 36-2901).
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee fiscal note on H.B. 2453 estimates that the bill's provisions would increase state General Fund costs by $100,000 and Total Funds costs by $500,000 annually (JLBC fiscal note).
Provisions
1. Includes naturopathic physicians in the definition of physicians eligible to provide covered services to AHCCCS members.
2. Requires, by November 1, 2027, 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 covered through AHCCCS; or
b) the denial of the request.
3. Conditions the enactment of this legislation on approval by CMS, by October 1, 2027, of naturopaths as covered service providers.
4. Makes technical changes.
5. Becomes effective on October 1 of the year following approval by CMS, subject to the provisions of the conditional enactment.
House Action
HHS 2/12/24 DP 8-2-0-0
3rd Read 2/22/24 43-14-2-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 8, 2024
MM/KS/slp