Assigned to HHS & APPROP FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1158
AHCCCS; naturopathic physicians
Purpose
Effective on the approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), adds
naturopathic physicians (naturopaths) to the definition of physicians eligible to 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 through natural means,
drug and drugless methods, 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
regulates licensed naturopaths and naturopathic medical students in Arizona and processes and
issues certificates to dispense and certificates to conduct preceptorships to qualified licensees
(Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board).
For the purpose of providing covered services for AHCCCS members, eligible physicians
are defined as persons licensed as doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy (A.R.S. § 36-2901).
If there is an increased cost associated with implementing coverage of naturopathic
services and treatments, there may be a fiscal impact to the state General Fund.
Provisions
1. Includes naturopathic physicians in the definition of physicians eligible to provide covered
services to AHCCCS members.
2. Requires, by November 1, 2026, 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
covered through AHCCCS; or
b) the denial of the request.
3. Conditions the enactment of this legislation on approval by CMS, by October 1, 2026, of
naturopaths as covered service providers. FACT SHEET
S.B. 1158
Page 2
4. Makes technical changes.
5. Becomes effective on October 1 of the year following approval by CMS, subject to the
provisions of the conditional enactment.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 26, 2023
MM/JM/slp