Arizona agencies review health care rules and define technician duties

The Department of Health Services and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System must review overlapping oversight requirements and report their findings and recommendations. The review covers health care institution licensing and monitoring, including inspections, reporting, and enforcement. The agencies must seek to reduce duplicate or inconsistent requirements while maintaining patient safety and appropriate oversight. The section does not require action that conflicts with federal Medicaid or other applicable federal requirements. The first report is due by December 31, 2026. Further reports are due by October 31 every four years after that.

The law defines behavioral health technicians and lists supervised tasks they may perform. The definition covers employees of licensed behavioral health facilities or licensed hospitals authorized to provide psychiatric services. Technicians must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass required background checks, and complete specified training before providing supervised direct services. They may not diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, or provide services beyond delegated tasks under the supervision of a licensed behavioral health professional or a registered nurse acting within the nurse’s scope of practice.