This bill proposes significant updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding the issuance of provisional nursing licenses. Under the new provisions, the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) would be required to issue provisional licenses or certificates to out-of-state advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), registered nurses (RN), or licensed practical nurses (LPN) within five business days of receiving a complete application and associated fees, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include holding a valid license in good standing from another U.S. state, passing a criminal background check, and submitting a sworn declaration regarding the application’s accuracy. Additionally, if there are any pending complaints or investigations against the applicant, the five-day timeframe would not apply, allowing the AZBN to assess the applicant's ability to practice safely.

The bill also introduces several new requirements and definitions, such as the acknowledgment of application receipt by the AZBN and the ability to convert provisional licenses to regular licenses after six months. It specifies that the provisional license is valid only in Arizona and subjects the holder to state laws and the jurisdiction of the AZBN. Furthermore, the bill waives fees for U.S. Armed Forces veterans and their spouses, and it clarifies the definitions of "licensing entity" and "resident" to ensure compliance with the new provisions. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the licensure process for out-of-state nurses while maintaining public safety standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1635.02
House Engrossed Version: 32-1635.02
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-1635.02
Chaptered Version: 32-1635.02