Bill > HB2227

This bill makes several changes to the laws governing the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, aiming to enhance patient safety, clarify board authority, and improve accountability. Key provisions include defining "chiropractic physician" as synonymous with "doctor of chiropractic," establishing new grounds for "unprofessional conduct" for chiropractors, such as failing to disclose financial interests in referral facilities or making false statements to patients or the board, and requiring chiropractors to maintain comprehensive patient records for at least six years. The bill also mandates that the board develop policies for psychosexual evaluations, requires board members and employees to undergo annual training on conflict of interest, open meetings, and board authority, and outlines specific grounds for terminating the board's executive director, including improperly subpoenaing information or failing to report potential criminal activity. Furthermore, it clarifies the board's investigative powers, limiting the scope of investigations to the initial complaint and prohibiting the subpoena of a licensee's personal financial information, while also establishing stricter timelines for complaint investigations and final decisions, with complaints being administratively closed if not resolved within 220 days. The bill also introduces new requirements for referring criminal complaints to law enforcement within two business days and mandates that the board operate transparently and adhere strictly to its public protection mandate, aligning with findings from an auditor general's special audit.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83953