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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: HHS DP 5-2-0-0 | Third Read 18-10-2-0House: HHS DP 7-4-0-1 |
SB 1124: health boards; evaluations; notice
Sponsor: Senator Werner, LD 4
Caucus & COW
Overview
Outlines requirements for health profession regulatory boards (Board) when ordering psychological or psychiatric evaluations of health professionals.
History
Health professionals are regulated through state licensing boards, which are responsible for licensing practitioners, adopting rules governing professional practice and enforcing relevant statutes. These boards investigate complaints, review evidence of possible violations and take disciplinary action against licensees who violate rules governing professional conduct or standards of practice. As part of an investigation, boards may require licensees to undergo physical, mental or professional competency evaluations if a board determines that the licensee's ability to practice safely may be impaired. Boards may issue investigative subpoenas or review medical or professional records but must provide notice of allegations. After completing an investigation, a board may dismiss the complaint, issue a non-disciplinary order, enter in a consent agreement with the licensee or impose disciplinary measures. Disciplinary actions may include license suspension or revocation, probation, civil penalties or sanctions imposed to protect the public health and safety (A.R.S. §§ 32-3203, 32-3206, 32-3214, 32-3227).
Provisions
1. Requires a Board to vote on whether to require an evaluation of a health professional, if the Board determines that there is probable cause to believe that the health professional may not be able to practice safely or competently. (Sec. 1)
2. Requires the Board to provide notice to the health professional at least 14 days before meeting to vote to require a psychological or psychiatric evaluation. (Sec. 1)
3. Specifies that the notice must include a summary of the action or complaint that prompted the health profession regulatory board to consider requiring the evaluation. (Sec. 1)
4. Allows the health professional to provide a written response to the notice from the Board. (Sec. 1)
5. Directs the Board to consider any written response by the health professional when determining whether to require a psychological or psychiatric evaluation. (Sec. 1)
6. Asserts that the health professional has the right to appear at a hearing and testify before the Board regarding the subject matter of the notice. (Sec. 1)
7. Requires the Board to provide a copy of the completed evaluation if the Board votes to require a psychological or psychiatric evaluation. (Sec. 1)
8. Requires the Board to reimburse the health professional for any costs the health professional incurred in obtaining the evaluation if no disciplinary or non-disciplinary action is taken by the board as a result of the evaluation. (Sec. 1)
9. Clarifies that the procedural requirements for ordering psychological or psychiatric evaluations for health professionals do not supersede a Board's authority to summarily suspend a license. (Sec. 1)
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13. Initials AG/LK SB 1124
14. 3/9/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
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