This bill proposes to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 32-3230.03, which establishes protections for individuals making protected disclosures regarding regulatory misconduct. Under the new law, health profession regulatory boards would be prohibited from taking or threatening retaliatory actions against protected individuals for various activities, including making disclosures, participating in investigations, or seeking legal counsel. The bill outlines the process for establishing a prima facie case of retaliation and requires boards to demonstrate that any alleged retaliatory action would have occurred regardless of the protected disclosure.

Additionally, the bill grants the attorney general and county attorneys the authority to investigate complaints and enforce compliance with the new provisions. It allows protected individuals to file civil actions against regulatory boards for violations, with remedies including reinstatement of licensure, removal of retaliatory records, and monetary damages. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of the protected individual's identity and defines key terms related to protected disclosures and retaliatory actions, thereby enhancing legal protections for whistleblowers in the health profession.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-3230.03