The proposed bill would update current statutes by introducing a new section, 32-1635.02, which mandates the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) to issue provisional licenses or certificates to out-of-state advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and registered nurses (RNs) within five business days, provided they meet specific criteria such as holding a valid license in good standing from another U.S. state and having no pending investigations or complaints. The bill also requires AZBN to acknowledge receipt of applications and provide timely status updates.

Additionally, the bill includes procedural changes, such as allowing the Arizona Department of Public Safety to exchange fingerprint data with the FBI and requiring AZBN to suspend the application process if there are pending complaints or investigations. Provisional licenses would become permanent after six months unless terminated by AZBN, and the bill waives fees for veterans and spouses of active-duty military members. Overall, these updates aim to streamline the licensure process for nurses relocating to Arizona while ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1635.02