Banner Health Clinicians Vote to Form State's First Physician Union

September 3, 2026

More than 240 physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants at Banner Health have voted to form what would be Arizona's first union representing physicians. The clinicians, who work in Banner's outpatient primary care clinics across the Phoenix area, voted by roughly a two-to-one margin to be represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD).


What Prompted the Union Vote

Organizers cited several concerns driving the effort, including:

  • Patient panel sizes
  • Staffing resources
  • Scheduling processes
  • Administrative workload
  • Their ability to provide consistent patient care


A Scheduling Dispute Preceded the Filing

The union filing followed a dispute involving a Banner family medicine physician who raised concerns about a scheduling issue that, if left unresolved, could have affected patient access to appointments. The physician later became the subject of an unfair labor practice complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board. The allegations remain part of an ongoing labor matter.


How the Vote Unfolded

More than 240 physicians and advanced practice clinicians employed by Banner Medical Group in the Phoenix metropolitan area filed for union representation, marking one of the largest physician-organizing efforts in Arizona in recent years. Clinicians across more than 30 Banner locations received ballots by mail. The National Labor Relations Board tallied the votes on September 2 and recorded that 149 workers voted in favor of unionizing and 66 were opposed.


Banner Health's Response

After the vote was tallied, Banner Health issued the following response:
"The majority of AZ Banner Medical Group clinicians who participated in the recent union election voted to be represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. We respect that decision, and if the results are certified by the National Labor Relations Board, we’ll consider our next steps in meeting our obligations to the Union, our clinicians and the community we serve."


What Comes Next

Pending certification, the next step will be negotiations between the union and Banner over a contract — a process that could take significant time.

UnitedHealthcare Shortens List of Conditions Requiring Prior Authorization

By Admin User • September 4, 2026
UnitedHealthcare announced it will cut back on the number of services requiring prior authorization by 30% beginning October 1, 2026. The major health insurance company first stated its intent to streamline prior authorization requirements earlier this year. Physician Specialties Impacted Physicians across multiple specialties can expect a decline in the amount of prior authorization paperwork required by the insurer later this year — according to its latest statement — including specialists in cardiology, genetic and laboratory testing, chiropractic care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, orthopedic and musculoskeletal procedures, and others. Insurance Plans United's cutback of prior authorization requirements will primarily impact its: commercial insurance plans Medicare Advantage plans individual insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act The company's new rural prior authorization waiver program also aims to ease administrative requirements for strained hospitals and clinicians in underserved areas of the country and will begin on November 1, 2026. Why Now? United's announcement comes after years of public scrutiny from physicians, patients, and others, who report that arduous prior authorization processes and other administrative burdens are endangering patients and overwhelming the healthcare system. Notably, the company was among the coalition of health insurance organizations that vowed to "streamline, simplify, and reduce prior authorizations" during a news conference with federal government officials in 2025. The Arizona Medical Association remains an active leader of efforts to reform commercial medical insurance in the state. We will continue to monitor the development and outcomes of United's prior authorization requirement changes.

AG Mayes Declines Charges Against Governor Hobbs, Calls for Greater Contractor Transparency

By Admin User • September 3, 2026
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has declined to pursue criminal charges against Governor Katie Hobbs following a two-year investigation into allegations that Sunshine Residential Homes received a state rate increase in exchange for political contributions. What the Investigation Found Mayes said investigators reviewed more than 100,000 documents, along with campaign-finance records, state communications and other evidence, but found no evidence of the quid pro quo necessary to support a bribery charge. The investigation concluded that Sunshine's position as a major provider of foster-care beds, and the potential loss of hundreds of beds, played a significant role in the rate increase. Calls for Contractor Transparency Reforms While the investigation did not result in criminal charges, Mayes said the circumstances highlight weaknesses in Arizona's rules governing political contributions from state contractors. She is calling on both the governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature to work together on reforms that would increase transparency and public confidence around contractor donations. What's Next Other investigations into the matter remain ongoing, meaning the issue is not yet fully resolved.