Fiscal Note
BILL # SB 1295 TITLE: advanced practice registered nurses; compact
SPONSOR: Shamp STATUS: As Introduced
PREPARED BY: Mitch Wenzel
Description
The bill would adopt the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) Compact. This compact would allow APRNs to
obtain to obtain multi-state licensure in other participating compact states. In addition, the bill would establish the
Interstate Commission of APRN Compact Administrators, which would appoint a delegate from Arizona for the compact's
national administrative body.
Estimated Impact
We estimate that the bill would increase APRN licensing applications, which would result in additional operating costs for
the Board of Nursing (Board). We expect new applicant fees collected by the board would be sufficient to fund any
increase. The Compact would not become effective until a sufficient number of states have ratified the agreement.
The board stated that the implementation of the APRN Compact would have no fiscal impact.
Current law requires 10% of licensing revenues to be deposited in the General Fund. We cannot determine the
magnitude of this impact in advance.
Analysis
The board currently regulates APRNs practicing in Arizona. Arizona licenses four APRN clinical categories: 1) certified
registered nurse anesthetists; 2) certified nurse specialists; 3) certified nurse midwives; and 4) nurse practitioners. As of
November 2023, the Board reported 16,199 active APRN licensees. Active practitioners are required to renew their
license every two years, which includes a fee of $150. New applicants also pay a fee of $150 for initial licensure. The
agency retains 90% of generated revenues to fund operating costs and deposits 10% into the General Fund.
To the extent that the board would require additional personnel to assist in regulating APRNs licensed in Arizona through
the compact agreement, the board's operating costs would increase. The bill would also allow the Board to charge fees to
compact applicants. We assume the fees charged to applicants would be sufficient to fund increased operating costs
associated with any increase in workload. The compact has not reached its mandatory threshold of seven states to begin
operations. Four states have currently enacted legislation to adopt the compact.
To the extent that the bill incentivizes APRNs currently licensed in Arizona to be licensed in another compact state, the
board could lose revenue. We cannot determine the magnitude of this impact in advance.
As a member of the compact, Arizona would choose a delegate as part of the compact's national administrative body
called the Interstate Commission of APRN Compact Administrators. Additional operating costs may be necessary for
travel, lodging, and meals for the delegate to attend commission meetings. We do not anticipate that these costs would
be significant.
(Continued) - 2 -
Local Government Impact
None
2/20/24