ESTABLISHING THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS REGULATION STUDY COMMITTEE.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1.
A. The health professions regulation study committee is established consisting of the following members:
1. The executive director, or that person's designee, of each of the following:
(a) The state board of podiatry examiners.
(b) The state board of chiropractic examiners.
(c) The state board of dental examiners.
(d) The allopathic board of medical examiners.
(e) The naturopathic physicians board of medical examiners.
(f) The state board of nursing.
(g) The state board of optometry.
(h) The board of osteopathic examiners in medicine and surgery.
(i) The Arizona state board of pharmacy.
(j) The board of physical therapy examiners.
(k) The state board of psychologist examiners.
(l) The Arizona state veterinary medical examining board.
(m) The medical radiologic technology board of examiners.
(n) The board of homeopathic medical examiners.
(o) The board of behavioral health examiners.
(p) The board of occupational therapy examiners.
(q) The board of respiratory care examiners.
(r) The board of examiners of nursing care institution administrators and adult care home managers.
2. The director of the department of health services or the director's designee.
3. Five members of the public, appointed by the governor. Not more than two of these members may have served at any time as a member of a board listed in paragraph 1 of this subsection.
4. The chairpersons of the health committees of the house of representatives and the senate, or their designees, who shall serve as committee cochairs.
5. One member of the senate health committee who is appointed by the chairperson of that committee and who does not represent the same political party as the chairperson.
6. One member of the house of representatives health committee who is appointed by the chairperson of that committee and who does not represent the same political party as the chairperson.
B. The committee shall:
1. Develop a uniform complaint intake process that includes:
(a) A standard complaint form to be used by each board listed in paragraph 1 of this subsection.
(b) A centralized complaint intake system.
(c) A toll-free number to answer questions regarding the processing of complaints.
(d) Timely notification to the complainant of the status of the complaint.
2. Determine how the boards can make the complaint process more efficient and cost-effective, including the sharing of resources.
3. Develop a uniform mechanism for the maintenance of patient medical records.
4. Develop a uniform system for maintaining the confidentiality of the medical records.
5. Discuss methods for increasing public involvement and representation.
6. Discuss the use of public outreach programs to educate the public about the purpose and function of the boards listed in paragraph 1 of this subsection.
7. Develop a uniform system of due process for a health care provider who has received certification, registration or licensure pursuant to title 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, and who is being investigated for a medical or professional violation pursuant to title 32, Arizona Revised Statutes.
8. Develop a uniform method of written notification to a health care professional under investigation. The notification shall include the specific facts upon which an alleged violation of title 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, is based.
9. Submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the health committee of reference, the secretary of state and the director of the department of library, archives and public records on or before October 15, 1998.
C. Committee members are not eligible to receive compensation but members appointed by the governor are eligible to receive reimbursement of expenses pursuant to title 38, chapter 4, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes.
Sec. 2.
APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR APRIL 24, 1997.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 24, 1997.
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