AZ HB2066

Establishes certification requirements for behavioral health transportation providers through the Department of Health Services, creating a new certificate system for entities transporting individuals requiring psychiatric evaluation or treatment.

Defines "behavioral health emergency technician" as certified personnel who must complete training in first aid, mental health issues, crisis intervention, and pass a criminal background check excluding convictions for sexual offenses, homicide, theft, assault, battery, or crimes involving personal injury.

Requires behavioral health transport vehicles to include safety partitions, locks preventing patient exit while moving, two-way communication equipment, first aid supplies, and documentation systems for all transports.

Allows cities, towns, and counties to contract with certified behavioral health transportation providers as an alternative to using peace officers for apprehending and transporting patients to evaluation or treatment agencies.

Establishes a behavioral health transportation advisory committee within the Department of Health Services with representation from evaluators, law enforcement, ambulance services, and hospitals to advise on rulemaking and oversight policies.