The proposed bill would update the Arizona Revised Statutes by introducing new procedures for handling complaints and investigations by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). Key updates include the establishment of a defined process for expunging certain disciplinary actions against licensees, expanding the definition of "unprofessional conduct," and requiring the AZBN to prioritize complaints based on potential harm to patients or the public. The bill also mandates written notice to respondents regarding investigations and allows for the confidentiality of complainants under specific circumstances.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to clarify the requirements for nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, ensuring their education programs are board-approved. It replaces terminology throughout the statutes to enhance clarity regarding the roles of these professionals. The AZBN would also be required to report expungements to national databases and maintain complainant confidentiality when necessary. Overall, these changes aim to strengthen the regulatory framework for nursing practices in Arizona, enhancing accountability and protection for both the public and nursing professionals.

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
Chaptered 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