Where the authority comes from
A.R.S. § 32-1606 lists the Board's powers and duties, including the power to publish advisory opinions regarding registered and practical nursing practice and nursing education.
What it is, and what it is not
- It is guidance on how the Board interprets the Nurse Practice Act for a given activity.
- It is not a statute, and it is not a substitute for legal advice about your facts.
- Boards can update or replace opinions, so the current published version is the one to rely on.
Why aesthetic providers read it
The Board's advisory opinion on medical aesthetic procedures is the document providers cite on questions such as the Level II and Level III framework, written provider orders and good-faith exams. We summarize how practices apply it in Level II vs. Level III and good-faith exam. Read the current opinion on the Board's website (azbn.gov) before relying on any summary, including ours.
The Board's website sometimes blocks automated access, so open the document in a normal browser and check its date.
How providers use an advisory opinion
An advisory opinion is the Board’s published position on whether a practice falls within nursing scope. Practices and RNs read them to understand where the Board draws a line. It is guidance, not a substitute for the statute itself, and a newer opinion can replace an older one.
Common mistakes
- Relying on a summary or a blog post instead of reading the current opinion.
- Treating an old opinion as current without checking for updates.
- Assuming an opinion about one procedure applies to a different one.
Frequently asked
Is an advisory opinion legally binding?
It is not a statute, but it reflects how the Board interprets its law, and it is the standard reviewers and investigators are likely to apply. Treat it as the Board's view of expected practice.
Where do I find the current opinion?
On the Arizona State Board of Nursing website (azbn.gov). Check the publication date and look for newer versions.
Educational information only, not legal or clinical advice. Rules and Board positions change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant Arizona licensing board and an Arizona healthcare attorney.