Do behavioral health agencies need to do anything to implement the new psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner bill?
Yes. New language in the law redefines an independent evaluator to include psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners. The complex language was carefully crafted and reviewed by all stakeholders. For behavioral health agencies, new policies and procedures based on the inclusion of the PMHNP in the emergency care of their patients is necessary. The final language of the bill can be found at www.azleg.gov. Type SB1182 into the bill search slot and then choose Bill Versions and Senate Engrossed.
