If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes by expanding the definition of "physician" to include naturopathic physicians, thereby allowing them to provide covered services under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Specifically, it would modify the existing definition in section 36-2901 to incorporate licensed naturopathic physicians alongside those licensed under titles 32, chapters 13, 14, and 17. Additionally, the bill would replace the term "certified" with "licensed" in the definition of "primary care practitioner" for nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, while clarifying that this change does not expand their scope of practice.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that its provisions will not take effect unless the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approve naturopathic physicians as service providers by October 1, 2028. If approved, the legislation would become effective the following September 30. The AHCCCS administration would be required to inform the Arizona Legislative Council by November 1, 2028, regarding the status of CMS's approval. These updates aim to integrate naturopathic medicine into the state's healthcare system, contingent upon federal approval.

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