HB 2138
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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
House: HHS DP 7-5-0-0
HB 2138: AHCCCS; naturopathic physicians
Sponsor: Representative Bliss, LD 1
Caucus & COW
Overview
Includes naturopathic physicians in the definition of physicians that can provide covered
services for members through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
(AHCCCS). Conditions the enactment of this legislation on October 1, 2028, upon approval
by 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 doctor of osteopathy (A.R.S. § 36-2901).
Provisions
1. Adds naturopathic physicians to the definition of physicians that can provide covered
services for AHCCCS members. (Sec. 1)
2. Specifies that this legislation does not become effective unless CMS approves
naturopathic physicians as service providers on or before October 1, 2028. (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, 2028 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)