April 16, 2004

The Honorable Ken Bennett

Arizona State Senate

1700 W. Washington

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Re: SB 1012: Nursing Care Institution Administrators; Continuation

Dear President Bennett:

Today I vetoed Senate Bill 1012, regarding the continuation of the Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Managers (the “Board”). Not only are many of the Board’s activities parallel to work already performed by the Department of Health Services, but serious questions about the Board’s operations have been raised. I believe the Auditor General should audit the Board to ensure that it is accomplishing its mission and continuing to carry out a proper and necessary government function, and I call upon the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to request such an audit pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1279.03(A)(4). Until the results of such an audit are known, it is not prudent to authorize a ten-year extension of the board.

Fortunately, there is still time for the Legislature to pass a more limited extension of the Board, if it so chooses. Another option is to enact the necessary statutory change to fold the Board’s current duties into the Department of Health Services or another appropriate state agency. I believe either option is acceptable and that, at most, a one-year extension is all that is appropriate, pending the Auditor General’s investigation.

Yours very truly,

Janet Napolitano

Governor

cc: Hon. Jake Flake

Hon. Carolyn Allen