ARIZONA BOARD OF NURSING

The mission of the Arizona State Board of Nursing is to protect and promote the welfare of public by ensuring that each person holding a nursing license or certificate is competent to practice safely. The Board fulfills its mission through the regulation of the practice of nursing and the approval of nursing education programs. The mission, derived from the Nursing Practice Act, supersedes the interest of any individual, the nursing profession, or any special interest group.

1740 West Adams Street Suite 200

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Hourly Pay Range: $33.89 - $68.75

Grade: E2

This position until business needs are met  

Functioning as the foremost expert in administrative healthcare law and policy, the Chief Counsel provides executive-level strategic leadership and decisive legal considerations in the formulation, execution, and defense of public policies. The role provides guidance to Assistant Chief Counsel, Assistant Attorney Generals, Legal Assistants and the Manager of Public Information.

As the primary legal advisor to the Executive Director, this role proactively identifies and mitigates complex legal issues before they escalate, significantly reducing litigation risks and associated legal costs.

The position is responsible for the high-volume review of investigative and hearing department cases.

• Legal Advice & Daily Operations: Advises the Executive Director on regulatory requirements, operational legalities, and risk mitigation. Ensures all Board actions comply with legal and ethical standards to proactively reduce litigation and associated costs

• Policy Development & Implementation: Analyzes and applies complex legal principles to guide the formulation, execution, and defense of public policies. Is the rule writer for the agency

• Executive Leadership & Compliance: Provides strategic guidance to the Executive Staff to expedite decision-making and align policy initiatives with legal frameworks. Ensures board programs strictly comply with state and federal laws to minimize litigation risks

• Hearing Department Oversight: Manages the daily operations of the Hearing Department, actively working to reduce adjudication cycle times for contested cases

• Public Information Management: Acts as the agency's Public Information Officer and supervises public information staff

• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal laws to ensure compliance and minimize litigation risks across board programs

• Thorough understanding of administrative law, regulatory requirements, and the adjudication process for contested cases

• Advanced knowledge of healthcare law and policy

Skills:

• Excellent communication and liaison skills to represent the agency with elected officials, government agencies, and the public

• Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and applying complex legal principles to the formulation and defense of public policies

• Strong legal risk management skills to proactively identify and mitigate potential legal issues before they escalate

Ability:

• Ability to effectively oversee the day-to-day operations of the Hearing Department and reduce adjudication cycle times

• Executive leadership ability to provide strategic guidance, make high-level decisions, and direct subordinate staff

• Strong strategic planning and organizational management abilities

Required:

• Must be an Attorney licensed in Arizona with a minimum of 5 years of administrative law experience, healthcare policy and legal risk mitigation

Preferred:

• Prefer prior experience within a state agency that regulates health professionals

• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)

• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Vacation plus 10 paid holidays per year

• Health and dental insurance

• Retirement plan

• Sick leave

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jo Ridenour at jridenour@azbn.gov