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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session |
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HB 2138: AHCCCS; naturopathic physicians
Sponsor: Representative Bliss, LD 1
Committee on Health & Human Services
Overview
Expands the definition of physicians that can provide covered services for members through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to include naturopathic physicians. Conditions the enactment of this legislation on October 1, 2028, upon approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
History
The practice of naturopathic medicine means 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). Naturopathic physicians are licensed to practice naturopathic medicine by the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board after meeting qualifications for licensure (A.R.S. § 32-1522).
For AHCCCS coverage, a physician is defined as an individual who is licensed as a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy (A.R.S. § 36-2901).
Provisions
1. Expands the definition of physician for AHCCCS to include licensed naturopathic physicians. (Sec. 1)
2. Specifies that this legislation does not become effective unless CMS approves naturopathic physicians as service providers on or before October 1, 2028. (Sec. 2)
3. Makes this legislation effective by October 1 of the year following the approval. (Sec. 2)
4. Requires AHCCCS to notify the Director of Arizona Legislative Council in writing on or before November 1, 2028 either:
a) of the date of the approval by CMS; or
b) that CMS did not approve AHCCCS's request. (Sec. 2)
5. Makes a technical change. (Sec. 1)
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