The proposed bill updates current statutes by mandating that the Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) coordinate their monitoring and compliance functions regarding health care institution licensing standards. This includes a comprehensive review of licensing, certification, and enrollment requirements, as well as compliance activities such as inspections and audits. The bill requires DHS to submit a report every four years summarizing the findings of this review, identifying areas of overlap, and recommending changes to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy in regulatory requirements.

Additionally, the bill establishes minimum qualifications and training requirements for behavioral health technicians (BHTs), defining their scope of practice and duties. It specifies that BHTs must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma, and complete required training before providing services. The bill clarifies that BHTs are not authorized to diagnose conditions or prescribe medications, while allowing behavioral health facilities to set internal standards for BHTs that exceed statutory minimums. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for health care institutions and improve the qualifications of personnel providing behavioral health services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-405.04, 36-424.04
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-405.04
House Engrossed Version: 36-405.04
Chaptered Version: 36-405.04