HB2453 is a bill that seeks to expand the definition of "physician" within the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to include naturopathic physicians. This change would allow naturopathic physicians to provide covered services to AHCCCS members, subject to approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The bill stipulates that if CMS approves naturopathic physicians as service providers by October 1, 2027, the bill's provisions will become effective from September 30 of the following year. Additionally, the AHCCCS administration is required to notify the director of the Arizona Legislative Council in writing by November 1, 2027, of either the approval date or the denial of the request by CMS.

The bill also includes technical changes, such as amending the definition of "primary care practitioner" to reflect that nurse practitioners or certified nurse midwives are "licensed" rather than "certified." The fiscal note estimates an increase in state General Fund costs by $100,000 and Total Funds costs by $500,000 annually due to the bill's provisions. The bill's enactment is contingent upon CMS's approval, ensuring that the expansion of services aligns with federal guidelines and funding.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2901
House Engrossed Version: 36-2901