AZ SB1473

Replaces separate certification categories (registered nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist) with a unified "advanced practice registered nurse" licensure system.

Grants advanced practice registered nurses prescribing and dispensing authority for pharmacological agents consistent with their education, certification, and licensure, subject to specific limitations for clinical nurse specialists and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Requires advanced practice registered nurses to complete graduate-level education programs, pass national certification exams, and complete coursework in physiology, pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical preceptorship.

Repeals existing sections 32-1634.03 and 32-1634.04 and modifies board composition to require one advanced practice registered nurse member instead of separate practitioner and specialist representatives.

Exempts the Arizona state board of nursing from standard rulemaking procedures until July 1, 2017, but requires public notice and comment at least 60 days before adopting or amending rules.