The proposed bill would update the Arizona Revised Statutes by introducing new provisions related to the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN), including enhanced complaint and investigation procedures. Key insertions include the establishment of a defined process for expunging certain disciplinary actions against licensees, expanding the definition of "unprofessional conduct," and mandating that the AZBN prioritize complaints based on potential harm to patients. The bill also requires the AZBN to provide written notice to respondents about investigations and allows for the confidentiality of complainants under specific circumstances.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding the AZBN's authority, requiring it to post substantive policy statements online and notify educational boards of complaints against nursing programs. It introduces new definitions for "unprofessional conduct" and "sexual conduct," clarifies the requirements for nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, and specifies conditions under which expungement requests may be denied. Overall, these updates aim to enhance accountability and clarity in nursing practices while providing a pathway for licensees to clear their records under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1601, 32-1606, 32-1664.01, 32-1664.02, 32-1664.03, 32-1664.04, 32-1664.05, 32-1456, 32-1634.03, 32-1634.04, 32-1651, 32-1644, 32-1663, 36-401, 36-2939, 32-1668, 100-203, 100-360, 36-2151, 32-3248.03, 41-1750, 92-544, 13-604, 32-1669, 32-1272
House Engrossed Version: 32-1601, 32-1606, 32-1644, 32-1664, 32-1664.01, 32-1664.02, 32-1664.03, 32-1664.04, 32-1664.05, 32-1456, 32-1634.03, 32-1634.04, 32-1651, 32-1663, 36-401, 36-2939, 32-1668, 100-203, 100-360, 36-2151, 32-3248.03, 41-1750, 92-544, 13-604, 32-1669, 32-1272, 12-2291, 41-1091, 32-3206
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-1601, 32-1606, 32-1644, 32-1664.01, 32-1664.02, 32-1664.03, 32-1456, 32-1634.03, 32-1634.04, 32-1651, 32-1663, 36-401, 36-2939, 32-1668, 100-203, 100-360, 36-2151, 32-3248.03, 41-1750, 92-544, 13-604, 32-1669, 32-1272, 41-1001, 41-1091.01