The proposed bill would amend current statutes by introducing a new section that mandates the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) to issue provisional licenses or certificates to out-of-state advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), registered nurses (RN), and 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, submitting fingerprints for a criminal background check, and attesting to the completeness of the application. The bill also specifies that if there are any pending complaints or investigations against the applicant, the five-day timeframe does not apply, allowing the AZBN to assess the applicant's ability to practice safely.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for communication regarding the application status, the validity of the provisional license solely within Arizona, and the ability to convert the provisional license to a regular license after six months. It also includes provisions for waiving fees for U.S. Armed Forces veterans and their spouses, and it defines key terms such as "licensing entity" and "resident." Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensure process for qualified out-of-state nurses while ensuring public safety through thorough vetting.

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