Senate Bill 1021 proposes to repeal the requirement for state-regulated health professions to undergo the statutory sunrise review process when seeking to expand their scope of practice. Instead, the bill outlines specific factors the Legislature should consider when evaluating proposed legislation to increase the scope of practice for health professional groups. These factors include the adequacy of current education and training, the potential improvement of patient access to safe and affordable care, the advancement of health, safety, or welfare, and the potential regulatory burden on the state.

The bill also mandates that health professional groups seeking to expand their scope of practice must notify the relevant regulatory entity within ten days of introducing the proposed legislation. Additionally, the bill defines "increase the scope of practice" as engaging in conduct beyond what is currently authorized by law for a health profession. The Legislature asserts its intent to preserve the health and safety of Arizonans and to ensure care is provided by qualified providers, reserving the right to reinstate the sunrise review process if its elimination negatively impacts healthcare quality in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-3101, 32-3102, 32-3104, 32-3106, 32-3105
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-3101, 32-3102, 32-3104, 32-3106, 32-3105
Chaptered Version: 32-3101, 32-3102, 32-3104, 32-3106, 32-3105