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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
allied health care workforce; appropriation
Purpose
Appropriates $5,000,000 from the state General Fund (state GF) to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to establish an allied health care workforce development program to develop the allied health care workforce in Arizona and outlines distribution and program requirements.
Background
Federal law defines an allied health professional as a health professional, other than a registered nurse or physician assistant, who has received education or certification in a science relating to health care who shares responsibility for the delivery of health care or related services, including: 1) services relating to the identification, evaluation and prevention of disease and disorders; 2) dietary and nutrition services; 3) health promotion services; 4) rehabilitation services; and 5) health systems management systems (42 U.S.C. § 295p).
In practice, allied health encompasses a broad group of health-related professions whose functions assist, facilitate or complement the work of physicians and other specialists in the health care system, including professionals in the fields of clinical laboratory technology, dental hygiene, dietetic services, emergency medical services, medical record services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, speech-language pathology and audiology (National Library of Medicine).
S.B. 1461 appropriates $5,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2027 to AHCCCS.
Provisions
1. Appropriates $5,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2027 to AHCCCS to establish an allied health care workforce development program to develop the allied health care workforce in Arizona.
2. Requires AHCCCS to distribute the appropriated monies to a nonprofit organization that:
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 7,000 students before the general effective date;
d) has maintained an active presence in at least eight states; and
e) is able to demonstrate the capacity to graduate at least 1,000 students through the prescribed allied health care workforce development program.
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.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Decreases the appropriation from $15,000,000 to $5,000,000.
Senate Action
HHS 2/24/26 W/D
ATT 2/24/26 DPA 8-0-2
Prepared by Senate Research
February 25, 2026
LMM/SDR/ci