AzNA tracks bills based on our Public Policy Agenda focused on the health of all Arizonans along with the professional practice and work environment of our Arizona nurses.

April 16, 2019

1-2-3-4

As we head towards the home stretch of the 2019 legislative session, bills now fall into one of four categories:

1. Signed or waiting to be signed by Governor

2. In last steps of approval or non-approval by legislators

3. Dead bills

4. Bills that have money (appropriations) attached and are part of future budget conversations this session

Pop The Cork!

HB2068, clinical nurse specialist; prescribing authority, moved through the Senate unanimously last week and was then sent back to the House for a final vote, which was also unanimous. The Governor just signed the bill late yesterday afternoon. Pour out the champagne!

I Say Data, You Say Base!

SB1096, health professionals data; repository; appropriation, has started to move again. As discussed last week, the $50,000 appropriation was stripped out of the bill to ensure the House Rules Chair would hear the bill. It passed Rules Monday and was discussed in both Caucuses yesterday (Tuesday).

Nice! Where to Next?

AzNA anticipates it moving through the House, with an amendment crafted to address last minute concerns, before proceeding back to the Senate for final vote. Don't forget to write your Representative for a Yes vote!

....And the Money?

The money to fund the database will be worked on in the budget later this legislative session or even next year; the money isn't needed until rules are developed by the Department of Health Services and that will take about a year.

Plumbers, Barbers, and.... Nurses?

On April 10, 2019, Gov. Doug Ducey signed HB2569, establishing reciprocity for occupational and professional license or certificate holders who come to Arizona from out-of-state. In a press release, Ducey celebrated the law as the first of its kind in the nation and mentioned nursing among the occupations in this quote:

“There’s dignity in all work,” said Governor Ducey. “And we know that whether you make your living as a plumber, a barber, a nurse or anything else, you don’t lose your skills simply because you moved here. The bill we signed today protects public health and safety while eliminating unnecessary and costly red tape.”

Remind Me How This Law Impacts Me as a Nurse

It doesn't. In an interview, Robin Schaeffer, Executive Director of AzNA, clarifies what the bill means for nurses in Arizona. "Here’s how it applies to nursing: It really doesn’t change much for us. The new law has a list of exemptions and an interstate compact is one of those exemptions. Arizona is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement to recognize each other’s licensees...We’re supportive of the bill the governor signed; however, it doesn’t really change much for the nursing profession."

Get Those Legislative Skills Sharpened

Managing constant change in health care takes more than just hard work. It takes a solid understanding the legislative process and knowledge about intricacies of the health care system. That’s where State of Reform comes in. AzNA ED, Robin Schaeffer, will be participating in a panel during the first annual Arizona State of the Reform Health Policy Conference - AzNA members who wish to attend the conference can receive a 20% registration discount using the promo code AZNURSE during registration!

National Legislation for Cadet Nurses