Assigned to HHS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1088
physicians; naturopathic medicine
Purpose
Adds to the services a naturopathic or osteopathic physician may perform. Holds a
naturopathic physician harmless from liability in specified circumstances and classifies an assault
against a naturopathic physician as an aggravated assault.
Background
Naturopathic medicine is a medical system of diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries,
ailments, infirmities and other conditions of the human mind and body including by natural means,
drugless methods, drugs, nonsurgical methods, devices, physical, electrical, hygienic and sanitary
measures and all forms of physical agents and modalities (A.R.S. § 32-1501). To be qualified for
licensure the applicant must: 1) be a graduate of an approved school of naturopathic medicine;
2) satisfactorily complete an approved internship, preceptorship or clinical training program in
naturopathic medicine; and 3) possess a good moral and professional reputation (A.R.S.
§ 32-1522). Naturopathic physicians, naturopathic medical students certified for training,
graduates certified to participate in preceptorship training and naturopathic medical assistants are
certified and regulated by the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board (Naturopathic Physicians
Medical Board).
Osteopathic medicine is a medical system of examining, diagnosing, treating, prescribing
for, palliating, preventing or correcting human diseases, injuries, ailments, infirmities and
deformities, physical or mental conditions, real or imaginary, by the use of drugs, surgery,
manipulation, electricity or any physical, mechanical or other means (A.R.S. § 32-1800).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Authorizes a naturopathic or osteopathic physician to test the blood alcohol concentration of a
deceased individual involved in an auto-related death if a county medical examiner has not
been appointed.
2. Includes naturopathic physicians in the definition of a health care provider that is authorized
to remove or provide clearance to a pupil who has sustained or is suspected to sustain a
concussion or other head related injury.
3. Includes naturopathic physicians in the definition of physician that is authorized to prepare
documentary proof of required immunizations or a schedule for completion of additional
required immunizations for students. FACT SHEET
S.B. 1088
Page 2
4. Holds harmless from liability a naturopathic physician that is providing care within their scope
of practice to a vulnerable adult whose life or health is endangered or injured by neglect, abuse
or exploitation.
5. Allows a naturopathic physician to provide written attestation, for an individual applying for
exemption from laws prohibiting the placement of materials over vehicle windshields and
windows, that the individual is medically required to be shielded from the direct rays of the
sun.
6. Classifies an assault committed against a naturopathic physician as an aggravated assault.
7. Adds naturopathic physicians to the definition of health care provider for purposes of health
care facility billing.
8. Makes technical and conforming changes.
9. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 14, 2022
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