The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to the Arizona Medical Board (AMB) by introducing new provisions that prohibit the AMB from requiring or taking any action against a licensee that necessitates the waiver of fundamental legal rights or liberties. Specifically, the AMB would need to demonstrate a compelling interest and that such a waiver is essential for protecting public health and safety. This new requirement is encapsulated in the insertion of section V, which establishes these conditions for any actions taken against a licensee.

Additionally, the bill includes various technical and conforming changes throughout the existing statute, such as clarifying the language regarding the roles and responsibilities of the AMB and the terminology used to refer to doctors of medicine. For instance, the term "doctor" is consistently replaced with "doctor of medicine" to ensure clarity. The bill also modifies certain procedural aspects, such as the notification process for complaints and hearings, while maintaining the core functions of the AMB as outlined in the current law. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the legal protections for licensees while ensuring the AMB can still fulfill its mandate to protect public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1451
House Engrossed Version: 32-1451