AZ HB2436

Expands who may conduct psychiatric evaluations in Arizona counties with populations under 500,000 by allowing physician assistants experienced in psychiatric matters or psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners to perform evaluations alongside or in place of psychiatrists

Amends the evaluation process under section 36-501 to permit one physician and one physician assistant or psychiatric nurse practitioner (rather than two physicians) to independently examine and report findings in smaller counties

Modifies annual review procedures for patients with grave or persistent disabilities under court-ordered treatment by allowing physician assistants or psychiatric nurse practitioners to conduct psychiatric examinations when no psychiatrist is available in smaller counties

Applies only to counties with fewer than 500,000 residents, maintaining existing requirements for larger counties

Makes technical corrections throughout the statutes, including grammatical updates and clarifying language regarding the roles of medical directors of mental health treatment agencies