The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes related to nursing licensure and health care services in Arizona. It would require the Arizona Board of Nursing to issue provisional licenses to qualified out-of-state nurses within five business days of application, contingent upon meeting specific criteria such as holding a valid license and passing a background check. Additionally, the bill introduces a framework for provisional licenses that can transition to regular licenses after six months, with exceptions for those with prior disciplinary actions. It also waives fees for veterans and military spouses. In terms of mental health, the bill establishes a process for court-ordered stabilization of impaired individuals, ensuring their rights are protected and mandating counties to report on the effectiveness of these procedures.

Moreover, the bill amends the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) regulations by removing exclusions for speech therapy and cochlear implants for individuals aged 21 and older, while implementing stricter eligibility verification processes. It requires AHCCCS to review member eligibility upon receiving information indicating a change in circumstances and allows for data sharing with independent vendors. The bill also introduces new requirements for hospitals regarding presumptive eligibility determinations and establishes a competitive grant program for interoperability software technology to support rural health care providers. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the efficiency of nursing licensure processes, improve health care access, and ensure accountability in the treatment of impaired individuals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-501, 36-526, 36-2901.08, 36-2903.18, 36-2903.19, 36-2903.20, 36-2907, 13-4510, 36-402, 12-2801, 36-401, 32-1601, 36-441, 36-445, 36-2402, 36-2917, 36-3401, 36-520, 36-521, 36-529, 36-2081, 36-2083, 36-2082, 36-2084, 36-2085, 36-2087, 36-2086, 36-512, 36-513, 36-2088, 36-2089, 36-2090, 36-2091, 36-2092, 36-778, 36-2901.02, 36-2901.07, 36-2901.01, 36-2934, 36-2901.09, 36-125.04, 36-427
House Engrossed Version: 32-1635.02, 36-501, 36-526, 36-2901.08, 36-2903.18, 36-2903.19, 36-2903.20, 36-2907, 36-2936, 41-1750, 92-544, 13-4510, 36-402, 12-2801, 36-401, 32-1601, 36-441, 36-445, 36-2402, 36-2917, 36-3401, 36-520, 36-521, 36-529, 36-2081, 36-2083, 36-2082, 36-2084, 36-2085, 36-2087, 36-2086, 36-512, 36-513, 36-2088, 36-2089, 36-2090, 36-2091, 36-2092, 36-778, 36-2901.02, 36-2901.07, 36-2901.01, 36-2934, 36-2901.09, 36-125.04, 36-427, 89-97, 36-2901, 36-2931, 36-2908, 36-2201