![]() |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
occupational therapy board; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (Board) for four years.
Background
The Board is the
regulatory body responsible for the licensing and oversight of occupational
therapists in Arizona. The Board evaluates and licenses applicants, prescribes
education and examination requirements for licensure and may deny, revoke or
suspend a license, investigate misconduct, conduct hearings and take
disciplinary action as needed (A.R.S.
§ 32-3404).
The Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor, including three members with at least three years of experience in occupational therapy and two public members. Members are appointed for three-year terms, beginning and ending on the third Monday in January. The Board may employ and discharge an executive director and other officers and employees as necessary and designate their duties (A.R.S. §§ 32-3402 and 32-3403).
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 Board's responses to the statutorily outlined sunset factors and receive public testimony. The COR recommended that the Legislature continue the Board for four years until July 1, 2030, and that statutory changes be made to improve the Board's ability to efficiently and accurately perform their duties as prescribed by law (COR Report). The Board terminates on July 1, 2026, unless legislation is enacted for its continuation (A.R.S. § 41-3026.09).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2026, the Board until July 1, 2030.
2. Repeals the Board 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 10-0-0-2
3rd Read 2/26/26 52-2-6
Prepared by Senate Research
March 13, 2026
MM/MS/hk