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Bill > HB2436


AZ HB2436

AZ HB2436
Mental health evaluations; health professionals


summary

Introduced
01/20/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session (2026)

Bill Summary

AN ACT Amending sections 36-501 and 36-543, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to mental health care.

AI Summary

This bill amends Arizona law to allow for more flexibility in mental health evaluations, particularly in counties with a population of less than five hundred thousand. Specifically, it modifies the definition of "evaluation" to permit one physician and either a physician assistant or a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner to conduct an evaluation, in addition to the current requirement of two physicians. Furthermore, it allows for psychiatric examinations during annual reviews of patients with grave or persistent/acute disabilities to be performed by a physician assistant experienced in psychiatric matters or a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner if a psychiatrist or experienced physician is unavailable in these smaller counties. The bill also makes minor technical changes to clarify language regarding the medical director's reports and responsibilities.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

House read second time (on 01/21/2026)

bill text


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