Assigned to HHS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1366
physicians; naturopathic medicine
Purpose
Requires Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) contractors to
contract with naturopathic physicians and approve a list of covered treatments for naturopathic
services.
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 a naturopath license, an applicant must: 1) be a graduate of an approved
school of naturopathic medicine; 2) have satisfactorily completed 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). The Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board
processes and issues certificates to dispense and certificates to conduct preceptorships to qualified
licensees (Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board).
An AHCCCS contractor is a person or entity that has a prepaid capitated contract with the
AHCCCS to provide health care to members or persons either directly or through subcontracts
with providers.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires, effective October 1, 2022, the Director of AHCCCS to require contractors to contract
with at least one naturopathic physician in each geographical service area in which contractor
is contracted.
2. Requires AHCCCS, within six months after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
approve a state plan amendment authorizing AHCCCS to contract for naturopathic physician
services, to approve a list of supplements, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, drugs, therapies,
devices, modalities and other natural substances prescribed, dispensed or used by these
physicians in providing covered services to members.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2022
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