Bill > HB2521

This bill makes several changes to long-term care and health aide services in Arizona: 1. It creates a new category of "licensed health aide" who can provide nursing-related services like medication administration, tracheostomy care, and enteral care to certain Arizona long-term care system members under 21 years old. These licensed health aides must be the parent, guardian, or family member of the member receiving services. 2. It amends the definitions and qualifications for licensed nursing assistants and certified nursing assistants. 3. It requires the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to implement a program for licensed health aide services to be provided by a parent, guardian, or family member to AHCCCS members under 21 who require continuous skilled nursing or respite care services. 4. It exempts the Arizona State Board of Nursing from normal rulemaking requirements for one year to implement the changes related to licensed health aides. The bill aims to expand the types of caregiver services available to certain long-term care system members, particularly younger individuals with developmental disabilities or other complex medical needs who can receive care from family members.