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.

Furthermore, the bill establishes minimum qualifications and training requirements for behavioral health technicians (BHTs), specifying that they must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma, and complete required training before providing services. It clarifies the scope of practice for BHTs, allowing them to implement treatment plans and provide support to clients while explicitly prohibiting them from diagnosing conditions or prescribing medications. The bill also permits behavioral health facilities to set internal standards for BHTs that exceed statutory minimums, thereby ensuring a higher level of care and compliance with both statutory and facility-specific requirements.

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