ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Majority Research Staff
	Senate: ATT DPS 8-0-2-0 | Third Read 23-4-3-0

---

SB 1461: allied health care workforce; appropriation

Sponsor: Senator Kuby, LD 8

Committee on Appropriations

Overview

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2027 to AHCCCS to establish an allied health care workforce development program (Program) to develop the allied health care workforce and gives AHCCCS directions on how to distribute the monies appropriated.

History

Federal law defines an allied health professional as health professionals who have received education or certification in a science relating to health care who provides services such as identification and prevention of diseases, and dietary and nutrition, health promotion, rehabilitation and health systems management services. Allied health professionals do not include registered nurses or physicians assistants and have not received a degree of doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatric medicine, pharmacy and other specified degrees (42 U.S.C. § 295p).

Provisions

1. Appropriates $5,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2027 to AHCCCS to establish a Program to develop the allied health care workforce. (Sec. 1)

2. Directs AHCCCS to distribute the monies to a nonprofit organization that meets the following:

a. is solely dedicated to training allied health care workers through direct programs and education partners;

b. has established partnerships with employers, education institutions and public agencies;

c. has graduated at least seven thousand students before the general effective date;

d. has maintained an active presence in at least eight states; and

e. can demonstrate the capacity to graduate a minimum of one thousand students through the Program. (Sec. 1)

3. Defines allied health care worker as an individual who contributes to the delivery of health or related services in roles that are distinct from physicians and registered nurses and that typically require specialized training beyond a high school diploma but less than a bachelor's degree. (Sec. 1)

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

Initials DS/JA                        SB 1461

3/27/2026        Page 0 Appropriations

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------