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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
occupational boards; renewal extension
Purpose
Outlines requirements for a health profession regulatory board (health board) or nonhealth licensing authority (licensing authority) if the processing of renewal applications for licenses or certifications is suspended.
Background
To practice or perform a regulated occupation or profession or use certain occupational or professional titles in Arizona, a person must meet certain qualifications and apply to the designated regulatory entity for the license, certificate or authorization. The initial application and renewal processes, including initial and renewal licensing or certification fees, vary across professions and occupations (A.R.S. Title 32 and Title 36).
A health board is any board that regulates one or more health professionals in Arizona. A health professional incudes a person who is certified or licensed by the following health boards: 1) Arizona State Board of Podiatry Examiners; 2) Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners; 3) Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners; 4) Arizona Medical Board; 5) Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board; 6) Arizona Board of Nursing; 7) Arizona State Board of Dispensing Opticians; 8) Arizona State Board of Optometry; 9) Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery; 10) Arizona State Board of Pharmacy; 11) Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy; 12) Arizona State Board of Psychologist Examiners; 13) Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board; 14) Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants; 15) Arizona Board of Homeopathic and Integrated Medicine Examiners; 16) Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners; 17) Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners; 18) Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners; 19) Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners; 20) Arizona State Board of Athletic Training; 21) Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy; and 22) Arizona Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers (A.R.S. § 32-3201).
If temporarily waiving renewal fees during a suspension of renewal applications results in a change in revenues collected from fees that are otherwise directed to the state General Fund, there may be a fiscal impact associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. States that if a health board or licensing authority suspends the processing of renewal applications for licensure or certification:
a) all current licenses and certificates that were previously issued by that health profession regulatory board are extended through the suspension period; and
b) the renewal fee for current licensees and certificate holders is waived during the suspension period.
2. Defines licensing authority as any agency, department, board or commission of Arizona that issues a license, permit, certificate or registration to an individual who provides a service to any person under the professions and occupations title of statute.
3. Excludes, from the definition of licensing authority, the Board of Certified Reporters and health boards.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 16, 2025
JT/KP/ci