HB 2453
Initials AG/KT Page 1 Health & Human Services
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
HB 2453: AHCCCS; naturopathic physicians
Sponsor: Representative Montenegro, LD 29
Committee on Health & Human Services
Overview
Adds naturopathic physicians to the definition of physician for the Arizona Health Care Cost
Containment System (AHCCCS), subject to approval from the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS).
History
The practice of naturopathic medicine means 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). Naturopathic physicians are licensed to practice naturopathic
medicine by the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board after meeting qualifications for
licensure (A.R.S. § 32-1522).
For AHCCCS coverage, a physician is defined as an individual who is licensed as a doctor of
medicine or a doctor of osteopathy (A.R.S. § 36-2901).
Provisions
1. Expands the definition of physician for AHCCCS to include licensed naturopathic
physicians. (Sec. 1)
2. Specifies that this legislation does not become effective unless CMS approves
naturopathic physicians as service providers on or before October 1, 2027. (Sec. 2)
3. Makes this legislation effective by October 1 of the year following the approval. (Sec. 2)
4. Requires AHCCCS to notify the Director of Arizona Legislative Council in writing on or
before November 1, 2027 either:
a) of the date of the approval by CMS; or
b) that CMS did not approve AHCCCS's request. (Sec. 2)
5. Makes a technical change. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note