Arizona 2022 2022 Regular Session

Arizona Senate Bill SB1366 Comm Sub / Analysis

Filed 03/10/2022

                      	SB 1366 
Initials AG/JB 	Page 1 	Health & Human Services 
 
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Fifty-fifth Legislature 
Second Regular Session 
Senate: HHS DPA 7-0-1-0 │ 3
rd
 Read 28-0-2-0 
 
SB 1366: AHCCCS; naturopathic physicians; contractors 
Sponsor: Senator Barto, LD 15 
Committee on Health & Human Services 
Overview 
Expands the definition of physicians that provide covered services for members through the 
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to include naturopathic physicians. 
Contains a conditional enactment clause.  
History 
AHCCCS statute defines a physician as a person licensed as a medical doctor or as an 
osteopathic surgeon or physician (A.R.S. § 36-2901). 
An applicant wishing to receive a license to practice naturopathic medicine from the Naturopathic 
Physicians Medical Board (board) is required to:  
1) Be a graduate of an approved school of naturopathic medicine;  
2) Have satisfactorily completed an improved preceptorship, internship or a clinical training 
program in naturopathic medicine;  
3) Be mentally and physically fit to practice as a doctor of naturopathic medicine;  
4) Not be guilty of an act of unprofessional conduct or other conduct that would be grounds 
for refusal, suspension or revocation of a license under law;  
5) Possesses a good moral and professional reputation;  
6) Not have had a license to practice any profession refused, revoked or suspended by any 
other state, district or territory of the United States or another country for reasons that 
relate to the applicant's ability to practice as a physician safely and skillfully in Arizona; 
and 
7) File a completed application pursuant to law and have met the outlined examination 
requirements (A.R.S. § 32-1522).  
The practice of naturopathic medicine is the diagnosing and treating disease, 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). 
Provisions 
1. Modifies the definition of a physician that provides covered services to AHCCCS members by 
including licensed naturopathic physicians. (Sec. 1) 
2. Conditions the enactment of this legislation on October 1 following the approval by the Centers 
for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). (Sec. 2) 
3. Requires AHCCCS, by October 1, 2025, to notify the Director of the Arizona Legislative 
Council in writing of either the date of the approval by CMS or that CMS did not approve 
AHCCCS's request. (Sec. 2) 
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes)     ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes)      ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note