Assigned to HHS AS PASSED BY COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1366
physicians; naturopathic medicine
Purpose
Effective on approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), includes
naturopathic physicians in the definition of physicians that provide covered services for members
through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
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. Includes naturopathic physicians in the definition of physicians that provide covered services
to AHCCCS members.
2. Requires, by October 1, 2025, AHCCCS to notify the Director of Legislative Council in writing
of either:
a) the date that CMS approves the request for naturopaths to be recognized as physicians by
AHCCCS for the purpose of providing covered services to members; or
b) the denial of the request.
3. Conditions the enactment of this legislation on approval by CMS, to become effective on the
October 1 immediately following CMS approval.
4. Makes technical changes. FACT SHEET – Amended
S.B. 1366
Page 2
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date, subject to the provisions of the conditional
enactment.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
6. Removes the requirement for AHCCCS contractors to contract with at least one naturopathic
physician and to approve a list of covered naturopathic services.
7. Requires, by October 1, 2025, AHCCCS to notify the Director of Legislative Council in writing
of either:
a) the date that CMS approves the request for naturopaths to be recognized as physicians by
AHCCCS for the purpose of providing covered services to members; or
b) the denial of the request.
8. Conditions the enactment of this legislation on approval by CMS, to become effective on the
October 1 immediately following CMS approval.
Senate Action
HHS 2/21/22 DPA 7-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
February 22, 2022
MM/CC/sr