AZ HB2419

Creates a new "assistant physician" license for medical school graduates who have passed USMLE Step 2 or equivalent exam within 3 years of application or graduation, allowing them to practice primary care in medically underserved areas without completing a full residency.

Requires assistant physicians to practice under written collaborative practice agreements with supervising physicians, with the physician responsible for oversight and approval of all delegated services.

Permits assistant physicians to prescribe controlled substances (Schedule III, IV, V) and Schedule II hydrocodone with restrictions, subject to the collaborating physician's approval and specific training requirements (120 hours on-site before independent prescribing).

Limits each supervising physician to a maximum of 6 full-time equivalent assistant physicians or physician assistants combined, and requires chart reviews of at least 10% of patient records every 14 days (20% for controlled substance prescriptions).

Requires health insurance carriers to reimburse assistant physicians on the same basis as other mid-level providers like physician assistants, and modifies licensure requirements for physicians to allow exemption from the standard 12-month residency requirement.