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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
nursing board; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) for four years.
Background
The AZBN is the
regulatory body responsible for the licensing and oversight of nursing
professionals in Arizona. The AZBN licenses, certifies and regulates nurses,
registered nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse
midwives, registered nurse anesthetists, license practical nurses, nursing
assistants, certified medication assistants and licensed health aides. The AZBN
also conducts examinations and approves educational programs (A.R.S.
§ 32-1606).
The AZBN consists of 11 members appointed by the Governor, including: 1) six registered nurses, including at least one registered nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or certified registered nurse anesthetist; 2) one nursing assistant or nursing assistant educator; 3) two public members; and 4) two practical nurses. Members are appointed for five-year terms, beginning and ending on June 30 (A.R.S. § 32-1602).
The Senate and House of Representatives Health and Human Services Joint Committee of Reference (COR) held a public meeting on January 30, 2026, to review and evaluate the Auditor General's performance audit and sunset review report, consider the AZBN's responses to the statutorily outlined sunset factors and receive public testimony. The COR recommended that the Legislature continue the AZBN for four years until July 1, 2030, and that statutory changes be made to improve the AZBN's ability to efficiently and accurately perform their duties as prescribed by law (COR Report). The AZBN terminates on July 1, 2026, unless legislation is enacted for its continuation (A.R.S. § 41-3026.08).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2026, the AZBN until July 1, 2030.
2. Repeals the AZBN on January 1, 2031.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
House Action
HHS 2/19/26 DP 9-0-0-3
3rd Read 2/26/26 52-1-7
Prepared by Senate Research
March 13, 2026
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