Tracking List: Insurance and Health Care


Ch. 128, Laws 2024 (HB2033 - Ambulance attendants; services (Department of health services; rulemaking))
Sponsor: Rep. David L. Cook (R)
Summary: Modifies the definition of “Emergency medical responder program” to include a requirement for submission for review by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS.) Stipulates that an ambulance attendant, defined by state law, be the exclusive driver of the ambulance in which they are in attendance. Adds criteria for charging a basic life support rate. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:00 AM

Added 1/09 to IH

Last Action:
04/10/2024 
G - Signed

HB2035 - Insurance; claims; appeals; provider credentialing
Sponsor: Rep. David L. Cook (R)
Summary: Sets out a series of new requirements that a “health care insurer” (defined) must provide to a “health care provider” (defined) in the event that they deny a health care services claim either in whole or in part. The new requirements include providing the health care provider with a phone number and email address of someone equipped to answer questions about the claim denial. At the request of the health care provider, the insurer must respond within 15 days with the following information: detailed reasoning around why a claim was denied due to lack of medical necessity if applicable, the health care provider’s right to dispute the decision of the insurer along with the details needed to navigate the insurer’s internal grievance process including deadlines and the health care provider’s right to request a hearing if the internal grievance process is unresolved, and direction towards appropriate regulatory authorities if the insurer falls outside of the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Requires insurers to provide within 30 days a written response to a filed grievance unless a longer timeframe is agreed to. Outlines the requirements of the written response and requirements for a claims dispute hearing. Reduces the number of calendar days that an insurer has to conclude the process of credentialing an applicant within their billing system from 100 calendar days to 45 calendar days and outlines requirements for confirmation of receipt of an application for credentialing. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:02 AM

Added 1/09 to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:48 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:14 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
03/19/2024 

HB2036 - Wildfires; flooding; fire insurance
Sponsor: Rep. David L. Cook (R)
Summary: Expands the forms of damage required to be covered by insurance under the Arizona standard fire policy to include loss or damage that results from a landslide, mudslide, mudflow or debris flow if a fire is the primary cause of the loss or damage, the fire ended within 180 days after the loss or damage and coverage would otherwise be provided for the fire. Coverage must be provided under the same terms and conditions as would be provided for the fire.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/19/2024 2:57 PM

1/19 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:49 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:14 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
01/16/2024 
H - House 2nd Read

Ch. 20, Laws 2024 (HB2051 - Joint training; surveyors; providers)
Sponsor: Rep. Selina Bliss (R)
Summary: The Arizona Department of Health Services is required to operate joint training sessions for supervisors, compliance officers, and investigators, as well as the skilled nursing providers and assisted living providers whom the officers regulate. These sessions will provide updates on the survey process and changes to how compliance is determined. The sessions may be conducted in person or remotely. ADHS can use gifts, grants or donations to pay for the sessions. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:05 AM

1/9 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:49 PM

1/22 IH recommends support

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:14 PM

2/2 PA approved support

Last Action:
03/29/2024 
G - Signed

HB2066 - Behavioral health transportation; providers; technicians
Sponsor: Rep. Selina Bliss (R)
Summary: Stipulates, that an authorized transporter is a behavioral health transportation provider and officially certified by the state of Arizona. Stipulates when the Arizona health care cost containment system administration is responsible for payment for services provided to an authorized transporter. Authorizes the Director to adopt rules necessary for training and compliance, certifications and recertifications for behavioral health transportation providers, maintain a system for certification and recertification, develop a fee structure for administration, and create operating guidelines for behavioral health emergency technicians. Sets standards for behavioral health transport vehicles. Defines standard operating procedures for transporting an eligible person. Defines the terms and parameters of certification for a behavioral health transportation provider and personnel as well as discipline measures for noncompliance. Establishes a Behavioral Health Transportation Advisory Committee to advise on rulemaking and policy development. 
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:07 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
01/16/2024 

Ch. 24, Laws 2024 (HB2093 - Emergency services; prudent layperson; definition)
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Parker (R)
Summary: Adds language to the definition of emergency services that allows a prudent layperson with standard medical knowledge to attest to the medical condition and symptoms of a person suffering from a medical condition warranting emergency intervention. Includes mental health and the potential of the person in need causing harm to others as part of the jeopardy factors to determine if emergency services are warranted. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  02/12/2024 8:00 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
03/29/2024 
G - Signed

HB2111 - Licensed facilities; transfer; sale; prohibition
Sponsor: Rep. Julie Willoughby (R)
Summary: Permits the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to deny a new application for licensure of a currently licensed health care institution, or the transfer of ownership, while any enforcement or court action is pending, or if the ADHS determines patient safety is at risk and allows the ADHS to pursue judicial, administrative or law enforcement remedy as is deemed necessary. Requires each assisted living facility to conduct an adult protective services registry check on prospective and current employees as per state law and prohibits the facility from hiring any individual who is listed on the registry. Requires the ADHS to levy a penalty of $1,000 per violation for each facility that does not perform the registry check.  Prohibits ADHS from acting on an application for licensure of a currently licensed sober living home while any enforcement or court action related to the sober living home is pending and permits the ADHS to pursue court, administrative and enforcement remedies against a licensee if the sober living home is in process of being sold or transferred to a new owner. Prohibits any transfer or ownership unless the ADHS determines that all legal and equitable interests, control and authority have been transferred to the new owner. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:11 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
03/04/2024 

HB2112 - Insurance coverage; hearing aids; children
Sponsor: Rep. Julie Willoughby (R)
Summary: Requires companies that offer health coverage to provide coverage for a hearing aid and any related services up to $2,200 every 36 months for any enrollee under the age of 18, and any enrollee under the age of 21 that is still attending high school. Provides for the enrollee to cover the cost of the “hearing aid” (defined) and related services exceeding $2,200 with zero penalties to the enrollee or the provider of the hearing aid. Permits healthcare services organizations to offer additional hearing aid specific coverage that exceed services in this bill. Requires coverage to include fitting and services by a “licensed healthcare provider” (defined). Exempts policies for short-term travel, accident-only, or limited benefit coverage as specified in state law. Allows for health coverage providers to require deductibles and coinsurance consistent with other benefits and policies. Applies to evidences of coverage issued from December 31, 2024 onward. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:12 AM

1/9 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:50 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:14 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
03/26/2024 
S - Senate Minority Caucus - Y

HB2171 - Health care workforce council; fund
Sponsor: Rep. Selina Bliss (R)
Summary: Directs that 10% of the tax paid in compliance on premiums received for accident and health insurance and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System contracted coverage, be given to the Arizona Health Care Workforce Investment Fund. Establishes the Arizona Health Care Workforce Advisory Council to address workforce shortages and outlines the framework for membership on the Council. Establishes the Arizona Health Care Workforce Investment Fund and enables the Director to administer the fund. Directs the Council to meet, beginning July 1, 2027 and each July 1 afterwards to make recommendations on allocations of the Fund. Directs the Council to prepare and submit an annual report with recommendations to the Governor, legislature and Secretary of State. Outlines how Fund monies can be used and enables funds eligible for federal matching funds to be used in that manner. Stipulates that Fund monies are exempt from any lapsing of appropriations processes or laws.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:16 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
02/05/2024 

HB2183 - Parental rights; medical records
Sponsor: Rep. Julie Willoughby (R)
Summary: Requires a health care entity to provide a parent equivalent access to any electronic portal and any other health delivery platform, written and electronic medical records for services not requiring parental consent unless prohibited by law or the parent is the subject of a law enforcement investigation of a crime committed against the minor child and a law enforcement official requests that the information not be released. AS VETOED BY GOVERNOR. In her veto message, the Governor stated that this bill could put the health and safety of vulnerable Arizonans at risk.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  02/12/2024 8:01 AM

1/8 added to IH

Last Action:
04/02/2024 
G - Vetoed

HB2187 - Health professionals; title use; prohibitions
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Parker (R)
Summary: Establishes the license and title designations that must be used in advertising, professional communications and identifications in a clinical setting for physicians licensed and is enrolled in a residency program, or is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association Certifying Board or who is board eligible, licensed Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) and Physician Assistants. Prohibits an APRN from using certain titles either alone or in combination with any nursing title. Permits health professionals to use state approved titles and designations. Requires health professionals to use only the applicable license set forth in this bill and may not use misleading terms or false representations, and must include the health professional name in all advertising. Allows a health professional to use a title or titles prescribed in state law, earned in a clinical setting, or accurately describes their qualifications and credentials. Enables the Attorney General to investigate alleged infractions of this bill. Titles the bill the Medical Title Transparency and Patient Protection Act. 
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:19 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
02/12/2024 

HB2205 - Fraud unit; investigations; annual report
Sponsor: Rep. David Livingston (R)
Summary: Requires the fraud unit in the department of insurance and financial institutions to prepare and submit a report by March 1 of each year to the Governor and legislature and issue a copy to the Secretary of State covering the last 12 months that details the number of referrals of potential fraud received by the fraud unit, civil and criminal cases filed against suspected perpetrators of fraud, summary of criminal prosecutions related to fraud, and the total amount recovered for victims of fraud. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 2:13 PM

1/10 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:51 PM

1/22 IH recommends support

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:15 PM

2/2 PA approved support

Last Action:
03/19/2024 

HB2249 - Residential care institutions; inspections
Sponsor: Rep. Neal Carter (R)
Summary: Adds residential care institutions to the list of care facilities that the Department of Health Services may not accept accreditation reports in lieu of compliance inspections. AS PASSED HOUSE
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 2:16 PM

1/10 added to IH

Last Action:
03/05/2024 

HB2277 - Heated tobacco products; definition
Sponsor: Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R)
Summary: Makes changes to the definitions of “cigarette” (defined) to include that a cigarette does not include a heated tobacco product. Adds a definition for “heated tobacco product” (defined) to mean a product that contains tobacco and produces an inhalable aerosol by heat.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 2:17 PM

1/10 added to LRR

Jillian Kahan
  01/16/2024 11:53 AM

1/16 LRR recommends supporting

Jillian Kahan
  01/16/2024 11:53 AM

1/16 added to IH

Last Action:
02/15/2024 
H - Removed from Hearing Agenda - 02/19/2024, 1:30 PM - House APPROP, HHR 1

HB2290 - Certificates of operation; interfacility transfers
Sponsor: Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R)
Summary: Requires that any “eligible entity” (defined) wishing to operate an ambulance service in the state to provide “interfacility transport” (defined) apply to the Department of Health Services (DHS) on a form developed by DHS. Allows an eligible entity to operate an ambulance service directly or through a third party service registered in the state. Requires that all charges billed for services provided adhere to rates or charges approved by DHS and that all “Certificate of Operation” (defined) holders comply with certificate of registration requirements per Arizona state law. Requires the department to issue a Certificate of Operation if the department finds the applicant has the expertise, integrity, fiscal confidence, and resources to provide interfacility transport services, the applicant has paid the appropriate fees, and the applicant files a security bond, within 45 days after receiving an application from an eligible entity. Stipulates that the initial Certificate of Operation issued to an eligible entity is valid for one year and that 90 days before the expiration of a Certificate of Operation, DHS shall renew the Certificate of Operation for a term of three years if the holder meets all requirements. Prohibits DHS from issuing a Certificate of Operation unless the applying entity has filed with the department a certificate of insurance or other evidence of financial responsibility equivalent to that which is required for a “Certificate of Necessity” (defined) and requires the liability insurance to bind the insurer to pay compensation for injuries to persons and for loss or damage to property resulting from the negligent operation of the transport service. Directs DHS to revoke a Certificate of Operation of any entity that fails to comply with the insurance requirements, and requires an entity that changes its name to inform DHS at least 30 days before the official name change and requires DHS to issue an amended Certificate of Operation that incorporates the name change but retains the existing expiration date.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 2:19 PM

1/10 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:51 PM

1/22 IH recommends support

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:15 PM

2/2 PA approved support

Last Action:
02/14/2024 

Ch. 91, Laws 2024 (HB2308 - Occupational licenses; criminal offense; prohibition)
Sponsor: Rep. Travis Grantham (R)
Summary: Requires an Occupational or Professional Licensing Board or a “Health Profession Regulatory Board” (defined) to review a properly submitted petition requestion a review of the Board’s denial, suspension or revocation of a license, registration or certificate based on a prior criminal offense. Requires the Board to determine whether the offense is “substantially related” (defined) to the applicant’s, licensee’s, registrant’s or certificate holder’s occupation, and if approving or not imposing disciplinary action would pose a “reasonable threat” (defined) to the public health and safety. Requires that a petition for this type of review not be more than five, double-spaced pages. Prohibits a Board from denying, suspending or revoking a license, registration or certificate based on a prior criminal conviction unless the offense is substantially related to the occupation or not imposing disciplinary action would pose a reasonable public health or safety threat. Permits someone who has had a license, registration or certificate denied, suspended or revoked based on a prior criminal offense to petition the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council to request a review of the decision. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/11/2024 1:51 PM

1/11 added to LRR

Jillian Kahan
  01/16/2024 11:55 AM

1/16 added to IH

Last Action:
04/08/2024 
G - Signed

HB2411 - Insurance; cost sharing; breast examinations
Sponsor: Rep. David L. Cook (R)
Summary: Health care services organization, hospital service corporation, medical service organization, or group or blanket disability insurer, that issues, amends, delivers or renews a subscription contract, an evidence of coverage, or a policy after January 1, 2025, may not impose “cost sharing” (defined) requirements for “diagnostic breast examination” (defined) and “supplemental breast examination” (defined.) Any of the above that provides a subscription contract, an evidence of coverage, or a policy to a subscriber or customer that is intended to qualify as a high deductible health plan as defined in USC 233(c) (2) may impose cost sharing requirements for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations and for items or services that are classified as preventative care until the minimum deductible is met.    
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/11/2024 1:54 PM

1/11 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:51 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:15 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
01/22/2024 
H - House 2nd Read

Ch. 72, Laws 2024 (HB2444 - Grievance process; payment methods; report)
Sponsor: Rep. Steve Montenegro (R)
Summary: Requires a health insurer to accept tangible checks as a form of acceptable payment, and, if a health care provider opts out of a method of payment, that decision remains in effect until they opt back into that method of payment, or they enter a new contract. Requires that before August 2 of each year, the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADI) post a report on the ADI publicly accessible website that includes the total number of grievances received, the average time to resolve a “grievance” (defined), and the percentage of grievances where a health care insurer’s decision was overturned. Stipulates that this bill does not preclude efforts to collect monies for medical services not covered under an insurance policy, or when a procedure is medically necessary and a payment on the claim was not made due to a denial or disallowance because of frequency, and that the provider is limited to the rates prescribed in the provider’s fee schedule. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/12/2024 2:27 PM

1/12 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:52 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:15 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
04/02/2024 
G - Signed

HB2449 - Medication; authorization; mental illness (Mental health conditions; medications; prohibitions)
Sponsor: Rep. Steve Montenegro (R)
Summary: Prohibits requiring prior authorization and “step therapy protocol” (defined) for valid prescription drug coverage for the treatment of a “serious mental health condition” (defined) as defined by law and provided the medication is on the Approved Behavioral Health Drug list and used in compliance with US FDA recommendations. Requires the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to ensure the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee reviews any US FDA approved drugs for the treatment of serious mental health conditions and outlines those conditions. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/12/2024 2:28 PM

1/12 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:53 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:16 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
03/26/2024 

HB2450 - Remote pharmacies; pharmacy technicians; training
Sponsor: Rep. Steve Montenegro (R)
Summary: Adds a Pharmacy Technician Trainee to the list of those that require 1,000 hours of experience in order to prepare, compound or dispense prescription medications.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/12/2024 2:29 PM

1/12 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:53 PM

1/22 IH recommends support

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:16 PM

2/2 PA approved support

Last Action:
01/23/2024 
H - Removed from Hearing Agenda - 01/29/2024, 2:00 PM - House HHS, HHR 4

HB2504 - Forced organ harvesting; insurance; prohibition
Sponsor: Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R)
Summary: Prohibits insurance coverage for “genetic sequencing” (defined) if performed on a device that is produced by a “company” (defined) in a “foreign adversary” (defined) or owned or substantially owned by a company “domiciled” (defined) in a foreign adversary. Permits coverage for genetic sequencing if the subscriber may experience immediate health risks if it is not covered and there is no other reasonable alternative. Allows limitation of coverage for a human organ transplant or post-transplant care if the transplant is performed in, or the organ was procured by a sale or donation originating in, The People's Republic of China or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Specifies that this section does not require coverage for genetic sequencing or human organ transplants or limit a hospital service corporation or medical service corporation from denying coverage for any valid reason.  Prohibits the use of genetic sequencers or any operational or research software used for genetic sequencing produced by a foreign adversary or a business or subsidiary that is owned by or domiciled in a foreign adversary or a company, subsidiary or enterprise that is deemed a Chinese military company or its affiliate. Requires the removal of any such sequencers or associated equipment. Requires the facility’s attorney to certify compliance annually. Prescribes civil penalties and statutory damages. Provides whistleblower protection. Requires genetic sequencing data to be stored in the USA. Invalidates gifts received where the gift originated in a state or country that is considered a foreign adversary. Entitles the Act “Arizona End Organ Harvesting Act.” AS VETOED BY GOVERNOR. In her veto message, the Governor stated that this bill includes overbroad provisions for genetic sequencing equipment that create compliance challenges for hospitals, healthcare providers, and researchers.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/12/2024 2:48 PM

1/12 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:54 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:16 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Jillian Kahan
  03/01/2024 1:02 PM

3/1 discussed in PA and approved the motion to be neutral

Last Action:
04/10/2024 
G - Vetoed

HB2505 - Assisted living; refunds; escrow accounts
Sponsor: Rep. Matt Gress (R)
Summary: Entrance fees relating to life care contracts, held in escrow must be returned to the to the contract holder when the resident's occupancy terminates with the facility and the resident's former living unit is inhabited by a new resident or within one year, whichever is shorter.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/12/2024 2:48 PM

1/12 added to IH

Last Action:
02/28/2024 

HB2509 - Behavioral health; temporary licensure; graduates
Sponsor: Rep. Matt Gress (R)
Summary: Requires the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to grant a temporary license to any person that has completed a course of study in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy or substance abuse counseling from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, who has graduated and who is in the process of applying for an Associate Level License if the person’s activities are performed under supervision by a person that provided direct supervision during the course of study or internship. Stipulates that the license is valid for 90 days after the person’s date of graduation. Permits an applicant to apply direct client contact work experience obtained during the temporary licensure timeframe towards the person’s direct client contact work experience. AS PASSED BY HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/12/2024 2:49 PM

1/12 added to IH

Last Action:
04/03/2024 

Ch. 123, Laws 2024 (HB2582 - Pharmacists; collaborative practice agreements)
Sponsor: Rep. John Gillette (R)
Summary: “Provider” definition in the context of a collaborative practice agreement with a pharmacist, is expanded to include a certified midwife or a licensed physician assistant. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/12/2024 2:50 PM

1/12 added to IH

Last Action:
04/09/2024 
G - Signed

Ch. 178, Laws 2024 (HB2599 - Health care appeals)
Sponsor: Rep. David Livingston (R)
Summary: Requires a Utilization Review Agent to develop and implement a plan covering the criteria that applies to Utilization Reviews “Adverse Determinations” (defined) as outlined. Provides guidelines and rules for insurers regarding adverse determinations and appeals. Permits a member who was denied a service that has already been provided to initiate an appeal. Includes questions of appropriateness, including health care setting, level of care or effectiveness of a covered benefit, in the review and appeal processes. Clarifies rules for adverse determinations of services already provided. Adds grandfather clauses. Defines “individual plan", "health care setting", ”advanced practice registered nurse”, “physician or other health care professional”, and “provider”. Requires additional items for the independent review organization to consider for claims or requests for services denied for reasons other than as experimental or investigational. Requires a Utilization Review Agent to select a provider for a member's appeal of certain adverse determinations. Requires that the rationale for a decision be included in any written decision. Permits a member to appeal or to pursue an external review if that member has exhausted an insurer's internal review process. Defines the external review process. Requires a health care insurer and an independent review organization to maintain all records related to an internal and external appeals process and exception requests for at least three years after the completion of the appeals process or exception request process. Effective January 1, 2025. (More). AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/12/2024 2:51 PM

1/12 added to IH

Last Action:
04/23/2024 
G - Signed

Ch. 149, Laws 2024 (HB2609 - Auto theft authority; fee overpayment)
Sponsor: Rep. David Livingston (R)
Summary: Allows an automobile insurer that has overpaid its semiannual Automobile Theft Authority (Authority) fee to a refund of the overpaid amount. Requires the insurer to submit a request for a refund to the Authority within one year and include documentation or information substantiating the overpaid amount. Requires any refund to the insurer to be paid from the Authority fund. Allows the Authority to audit an insurer at the insurer’s expense. Requires the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (ADIFI) to approve a written request submitted by December 31, 2024, for a refund that was the subject of a claim initiated by an insurer in 2023 if the insurer includes documentation or any other information satisfactory to ADIFI. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:57 PM

1/22 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:57 PM

1/22 IH recommends support

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:16 PM

2/2 PA approved support

Last Action:
04/10/2024 
G - Signed

HB2638 - Litigation; financing; consumer protection; enforcement
Sponsor: Rep. Travis Grantham (R)
Summary: Prohibits a “litigation financer” from directing or making decisions regarding the course of any “action” (defined) that is subject to a “litigation financing agreement” (defined), or any settlement or disposition, including decisions concerning appointing or replacing counsel, whether to utilize expert witnesses, and litigation strategy. Prohibits a litigation financer from receiving, directly or indirectly, a larger share of the proceeds of an action than the named parties to the action that is subject to a litigation financing agreement. Requires the court to consider the existence of litigation financing and any conflicts of interest in a class action litigation when determining if a class representative or counsel would adequately and fairly represent the interest of the class, and when approving or appointing counsel to “leadership positions” (defined). Prohibits a litigation financer to pay or offer to pay a commission, referral fee or other consideration to any person, including legal counsel, a law firm or “licensed health care provider” (defined) for referring a litigant to the financer, assign, including securitizing, a litigation financing agreement in whole or part, and be assigned rights to an action that is subject to a litigation financing agreement to which the financer is a party. Requires the party to the action or the counsel of record to provide various parties to the case a copy of the litigation, any connections between the financer and the parties to the action or the courts and the US Department of State and Office of the Attorney General of any ties between the parties of the action and the litigation financer to foreign entities as well as any points of national security interests that are disclosed as a process of the action. Requires the litigation financer to indemnify various parties involved in the action. Stipulates that any financing agreement that violates this law is void and that the action applies to any civil action, administrative proceeding, claim, or cause of action that is pending or commenced upon the effective date of this law. The effective date is January 1, 2025. (More)
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/18/2024 11:17 AM

1/18 added to PA

Jillian Kahan
  01/19/2024 3:10 PM

1/19 PA approves support

Last Action:
03/01/2024 
H - Hearing Scheduled - 03/04/2024 - Third Reading, House Floor

HB2653 - Long-term care; reporting; monitoring; injury
Sponsor: Rep. Quang H. Nguyen (R)
Summary: Requires, beginning January 1, 2025, an owner of a residential care institution, nursing care institution or home health agency to verify that an employee or potential employee is not on the APS registry or Elder Abuse Central Registry. Requires an owner to take action to terminate the employment of an employee or not hire a potential employee if they are found to be on the APS or Elder Abuse Central Registry. Allows a resident to a resident’s responsible person to install electronic monitoring devices of the resident and if they have a roommate, defines the process for securing legal compliance for the resident, roommates, managers and employees of the facility. Prohibits an owner or manager from accessing the installed electronic record of electronic monitoring devices unless the resident or resident’s responsible person provides access and places the responsibility of legal notification on the person responsible for the electronic monitoring system. Establishes rules for reporting facility personnel suspected of abuse, neglect or exploitation of residents, including state board notification. Directs assisted living facilities to report to Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) each incident involving any of the following any altercation between residents, staff or management and defines processes for unauthorized leaving of the facility by a resident as well as family reporting processes following an incident or altercation. Defines formal report requirements by facilities regarding incidents that happened at the facility in the immediately prior six months. Requires ADHS to adopt rules for the implementation of the assisted living facility incident and health event reporting requirements. Requires the rules for assisted living facility incident reporting to include timelines for reports to ADHS, the family member or resident’s representative involved in any of the described incidents. Requires the ADHS Director and the Arizona Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers (NCIA Board) to immediately report to APS information that a nursing care institution administrator’s or assisted living facility manager’s conduct may have resulted in abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult in the nursing care institution or assisted living facility. (More) AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:33 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
03/05/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

HB2657 - Parent's rights; mental; physical health
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Parker (R)
Summary: Stipulates that an employee, political subdivision, or agency of the state that encourages a child to withhold information from the child’s parent, including information that is relative to the child’s physical, emotional, or mental health has committed a prohibited act and may be disciplined. Adds that referring to and raising a child in a manner consistent with the child’s “biological sex,” (defined) including related mental health or medical decisions does not constitute abuse or neglect. Requires procedures be created to honor the right for a parent to access all written and electronic records of a school district or school district employee, or any person hired or contracted by the school district concerning the parent’s child. Requires procedures be developed to notify a parent at least five days in advance of any instruction or presentation that has the goal or purpose of studying, exploring or informing the student about gender roles or stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. Requires procedures be developed for notifying a parent if a student expresses to any school “employee” (defined) that the child is experiencing any gender incongruence or asks a school employee to participate in social affirmation or transition. Defines the actions, activities, “curriculum” (defined), or materials that require parental permission for a child to participate in or receive. Permits a parent to file a written complaint that details any violation of this legislation and stipulates that the parent is entitled to a meeting, upon request, with the Superintendent or principal to discuss the complaint. Requires the Superintendent or principal to investigate the complaint and respond to the parent within 14 days of receiving the complaint. Permits a parent to seek judicial relief if the violation per this legislation is not remedied. Outlines parental appeal processes and permits a successful parent to recover injunctive relief, damages up to $5,000 per violation, reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:34 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
01/24/2024 
H - House 2nd Read

HB2686 - Health profession regulatory boards
Sponsor: Rep. Selina Bliss (R)
Summary: Sets requirements and timelines for how complaints are handled by an Arizona Health Profession Regulatory Board (AHPRB). These requirements include the conditions for when a person who files a complaint can remain anonymous, how to handle complaints made by unidentified persons, how to handle potential criminal offenses, how to handle false or fraudulent complaints, how to inform a respondent about an investigation, conditions for evaluations or actions resulting from complaints and/or investigations, how to post policies, what information can be requested from applicants, conditions for suspending applications, and defining “without prejudice.” AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/26/2024 2:33 PM

1/26 added to IH

Last Action:
04/16/2024 

HB2726 - Utilization review; prior authorization; requirements
Sponsor: Rep. Julie Willoughby (R)
Summary: Requires a new “health care insurer, pharmacy benefit manager or utilization review agent” (Insurer) to honor prior authorization from a previous Insurer within the first 90 days of the new coverage. Allows the new Insurer to conduct a prior authorization review within the first 90 days. Provides that if there is a change in coverage or approval criteria for a previously authorized medical service, the change does not affect the member who received a prior authorization approval before the effective date of the change for the remainder of the member's plan year. Requires an Insurer to continue to honor a prior authorization granted when the member changes products or plans under the same insurance company. Requires an Insurer to post on its website all prior authorizations requirements and restrictions. Requires, if an Insurer intends to implement new or changed prior authorization requirements, to post the change on its website and give members 60-day’s notice before implementing the change. Requires that prior authorization to treat a “chronic or long-term care condition” (defined) remain valid for at least one year and that any other prior authorization remain valid for at least six months, regardless of any changes in dosages of a prescription drug.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 9:39 AM

2/2 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  02/12/2024 10:53 AM

2/12 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/16/2024 2:27 PM

2/16 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
02/13/2024 
H - Removed from Hearing Agenda - 02/15/2024, 11:30 AM - House HHS, HHR 4

HB2762 - AHCCCS; ketamine infusion therapy
Sponsor: Rep. Barbara Parker (R)
Summary: Requires the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to cover and make available ketamine infusion therapy provided by a licensed psychiatrist.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 9:43 AM

2/2 added to IH

Last Action:
02/08/2024 
H - House 2nd Read

Ch. 100, Laws 2024 (HB2764 - Long-term care; enforcement; memory care)
Sponsor: Rep. Timothy M. Dunn (R)
Summary: Requires the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to prescribe guidelines and fees for on-site monitoring of health care institutions that are not in substantial compliance with licensure requirements. Requires ADHS to establish a certification process and fees for an assisted living facility or nursing care institution that wishes to provide “enhanced memory care services” (defined). Certification is valid for two years. Prescribes required training for “memory care service” (defined) workers. Prohibits acceptance of an accreditation report in lieu of a compliance inspection of a residential care or nursing institution unless it has the same owner as a licensed hospital. Provides that a health care license becomes invalid if the licensee does not timely pay civil penalties or provider agreement fees or did not enter into an agreement to pay before the due date. Increases the civil penalty limit to $1,000 (from $500) for each violation and allows an assessment for each resident impacted by the violation. Allows ADHS to pursue legal action against a licensee even if it closed or is in the process of being sold or transferred. Allows ADHS to deny a new application for licensure while any other action against the applicant is pending. Allows ADHS to deny approval of a change in ownership if it determines the transfer may jeopardize public safety. Increases the number of gubernatorial appointments to the Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers (Board) to 13 (from 11). Exempts from rulemaking until July 1, 2025, except that ADHS must hold at least two public meeting. Effective July 1, 2025. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  02/07/2024 3:28 PM

2/7 added to IH

Last Action:
04/08/2024 
G - Signed

SB1019 - Appropriation; health innovation trust fund
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Appropriates $5,000,000 from the Arizona General Fund in FY 2024 -25 for the Arizona Health Innovation Trust Fund as part of the goal of the Fund to ultimately attain a permanent endowment balance of at least $200,000,000. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:21 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
03/18/2024 

Ch. 75, Laws 2024 (SB1021 - Scope of practice; process; repeal)
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Removes the definition of “Increase the scope of practice” as it is applied to “Health Professional Group” (HPG), and makes the section not applicable to regulatory entities that were legislatively enacted before August 7, 1985. Removes report criteria covered under 32-3106 and the option of a HPG proposing to increase their scope of practice to send copies of mandated written reports to the regulatory board of the health professional and the Arizona Department of Health Services for review and comment. Repeals the option of a HPG to seek the introduction of legislation if their report is not heard by an appropriate legislative committee. Repeals the exemption of an HPG seeking to increase the scope of practice to refile a report if there is no significant change. Repeals the mandate that said HPG notify the Legislature and appropriate health committee chairpersons by November 1 if the HPG intends to pursue an increase in scope of practice. Replaces “increased scope of practice” with “certification, registration or licensure” in the section outlining exemptions to reporting. Repeals Sec. 4, 32-3106.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:22 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
04/02/2024 
G - Signed

SB1036 - Social work compact
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Establishes the framework for a “Social Work” (defined) Licensure Compact, including licensing and regulating the practice of social work at either the clinical, Master’s or Bachelor’s category, require a minimal level of education, have a period of supervised practice, and possess a process for adjudicating complaints. Establishes membership maintenance criteria including establishing a national testing system, contributing to data collection efforts, and setting up channels and systems to consider applicants for a multi-state license, including investigative and criminal complaint data. Enables a “home state” (define) to charge fees for creating a “multistate license” (defined). Establishes rules for social workers to participate in the multistate license, including paying applicable fees, holding an active, unencumbered license, submitting to compact, law enforcement requirements, meeting continuing competence requirements, abiding by laws of the “member state” (defined) (s,) passing a clinical category “qualifying national exam” (defined) and achieving and maintaining educational requirements. Establishes administrative processes for data collection, interstate licensing, background checks, etc. (More) AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:23 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
03/18/2024 

SB1037 - AHCCCS; comprehensive dental care
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Modifies dental services to mean comprehensive dental care and removes “emergency” and “and extraction.” Removes dentures as excluded prosthetic devices. Removes redundant language pertaining to exclusions from a hospital assessment fund. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/10/2024 10:23 AM

1/9 added to IH

Last Action:
03/13/2024 
H - House 2nd Read

SB1069 - State health insurance exchange; board
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Establishes the Health Insurance Exchange to facilitate the purchase and sale of health plans in the individual market, reduce the number of uninsured, provide a transparent marketplace for health insurance and consumer education, and aid with giving residents access to programs, premium assistance, resources, tax credits and sharing reductions. Requires the exchange to administer health insurance coverage, facilitate purchases of qualified plans, aid employers in enrolling employees in plans offered on the small group market, enter into contracts with the state, political subdivisions and individuals to facilitate and carry out the mission of the exchange, collaborate with appropriate state agencies to coordinate transitions between health insurance plans and apply for or accept any gift, grant, donation, bequest or other money source that will facilitate the exchange carrying out its assigned duties. Requires the exchange to follow established procurement rules and laws. Defines membership for the Health Insurance Exchange Board as well as the terms for each member, criteria for representation, electing a chair and required meeting schedules. Empowers the Board to set up subcommittees and advisory committees as needed and prohibits members from reimbursement of expenses. Requires the Board to adopt rules and before January 1 and June 1 of each year submit a summary fiscal and operational report to the governor and legislature for review. Requires the Board to appoint an Executive Director. Stipulates that the Health Insurance Exchange Board terminates on July 1, 2024. (More)
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/11/2024 1:45 PM

1/11 added to IH

Last Action:
01/17/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

Ch. 48, Laws 2024 (SB1070 - Virtual credit cards; payment method)
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Requires a health insurer to accept tangible checks as a form of acceptable payment and if the provider opts out of a method of payment, that decision remains in effect until the provider opts back into the prior method of payment or a new contract is executed. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/11/2024 1:45 PM

1/11 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 1:59 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:17 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
03/29/2024 
G - Signed

Ch. 171, Laws 2024 (SB1071 - Peer support teams; information; disclosure)
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Includes “or “Peer Support Team Member”” (defined) to those who cannot be compelled to disclose information given in confidence during a critical response incident from a “designated person” (defined) during a legal proceeding, trial, or investigation before any agency of the state or political subdivision of the state, unless the designated person voluntarily agrees to testify. AS SIGNED BYGOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/11/2024 1:45 PM

1/11 added to IH

Last Action:
04/23/2024 
G - Signed

SB1083 - Mental illness; medication; authorization
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: For the purpose of behavioral health services and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, medications that are prescribed to address a mental disorder are not subject to prior authorization for persons who are at least 18 years of age if a list of specified conditions apply, including that the medication is prescribed to prevent or treat any of a list of qualifying mental disorders, the medication is a covered benefit, and the prescription does not exceed labeled dosages approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/18/2024 11:18 AM

1/18 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 2:00 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:17 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
02/07/2024 

SB1085 - Pharmacists; independent testing; treatment
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Permits a pharmacist to independently test for and treat eligible persons for outlined medical conditions authorized by the FDA and waived under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) including influenza, group A streptococcus pharyngitis, SARS-CoV-2 or any other respiratory illness, condition or disease, or a condition related to an emerging or existing public health threat identified by the Department of Health Services for which a statewide standing order, rule or executive order is issued. Requires a pharmacist who orders, conducts testing or treats a health condition to use any test that may guide clinical decision-making for which a waiver has been obtained under federal law or any screening procedure that is established by the statewide protocol. Requires pharmacists to use evidence-based clinical guidelines published by the CDC or other clinically recognized recommendations. Requires an eligible person to meet criteria for treatment based on current clinical guidelines, if available, or evidence-based research findings specified. Requires pharmacist to notify the patient's identified primary care provider, if one is identified, within 72 hours after initiating treatment with information specified.  Allows a pharmacist to delegate the administrative and technical tasks of performing a test to a trained member of the pharmacy staff who is under the supervision of the pharmacist, but limited to tasks that do not require clinical judgment, and only ancillary duties as approved by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. Prohibits a health insurer from denying reimbursement for any test, screening or treatment performed by a pharmacist, that is within the scope of the pharmacist's license, and would be covered if otherwise performed by a medical or osteopathic physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. (more)
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/18/2024 11:18 AM

1/18 added to IH

Last Action:
03/06/2024 
S - FAILED   - Senate Third Reading

SB1086 - Assisted living facilities; referral agencies
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Removes the stipulations that a referral agency may be entitled to a fee if a resident selects a facility that the referral agency recommended to the resident after evaluating the prospective resident’s profile and requests before the resident delivered a notice of termination, or the referral agency provides documentation to the assisted living facility or home that the resident communicated with the referral agency for referral services before the resident was admitted to the facility or home. The removal covers both clauses’ inclusion on a mandated disclosure notice. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/18/2024 11:19 AM

1/18 added to IH

Last Action:
03/12/2024 
H - Removed from Hearing Agenda - 03/18/2024, 2:00 PM - House HHS, HHR 4

SB1164 - Pharmacy benefits; coverage (Pharmacy benefits; coverage; exemptions)
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Prohibits a Pharmacy Benefits Manager from limiting or excluding coverage of a prescription drug for any insured individual who is medically stable on a specific drug previously approved by the insurer. Prohibits limitation, reduction or change of coverage unless the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) revokes approval for the drug or the drug manufacturer notifies the USFDA of a manufacturing discontinuation or potential discontinuation. Requires written notice of a formulary change to each impacted covered individual and the prescribing provider at least 60 days before the change. Prohibits a change from the previously covered drug without written authorization from the prescribing provider. Requires development of a prescription coverage exemption determination process and defines timelines. Requires notification of reasons for a denial of coverage and permits appeal. Provides a summary of the appeal process. Effective January 1, 2025. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/18/2024 11:26 AM

1/18 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 2:00 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:17 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
03/25/2024 

Ch. 51, Laws 2024 (SB1165 - Pharmacy audit; procedures; prohibition)
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Prohibits an auditing entity, when conducting a wholesale invoice audit, from auditing the claims of another auditing entity or reversing a finding of discrepancy if the dispensed quantity is correct, supply invoices and government codes all match, the proper paperwork and reports are present, and quantities dispensed match all appropriate inventories and invoices. Allows a validation to require information that is required under the federal Drug Supply Chain Security Act. Prohibits a Pharmacy Benefits Manager from reimbursing a nonaffiliated pharmacy in an amount less than the amount reimbursed for an “affiliated pharmacy” (defined) for providing the same product. tends to ten days (from five days) after receiving a pharmacy's request, the time for an auditing entity to provide supporting documentation that the pharmacy supplier provided. Prohibits an auditing entity from retroactively reducing a claim payment after adjudication of the claim unless the original claim was found to have been fraudulent, the claim was a duplicate for which the pharmacy had already received payment, or the original reimbursement was an overpayment made in error. Requires the Pharmacy Benefits Manager to submit an annual report to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) that details the difference in reimbursement amounts paid to an affiliated pharmacy and a nonaffiliated pharmacy for providing the same product. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/18/2024 11:26 AM

1/18 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 2:00 PM

1/22 IH recommends opposition

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:17 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
03/29/2024 
G - Signed

Ch. 77, Laws 2024 (SB1173 - Licensed professional counselors; compact)
Sponsor: Sen. David Gowan (R)
Summary: Establishes the Arizona Counseling Compact (Compact) to facilitate the interstate practice of licensed professional counselors. Lists requirements for the privilege to practice and participation in the Compact. Lists requirements for obtaining a new home state license based on a privilege to practice. Lists rules for the practice of telehealth. Outlines a remote state’s authority to take adverse action against a professional counselor’s license issued by the home state. Establishes the Counseling Compact Commission as an instrumentality of the compact states and consisting of one member from each compact state. Lists membership requirements, rules of administration, powers, and duties of the Commission. Requires the use of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states. Effective on the date the compact statute is enacted into law in the 10th member state. (more) AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 8:14 AM

1/22 added to IH

Last Action:
04/02/2024 
G - Signed

SB1178 - Hospital interconnectivity; appropriation
Sponsor: Sen. David Gowan (R)
Summary: Requires the Health Care Interoperability Grant Program (Grant Program), administered by the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), to provide a single grant to a company that licenses an interoperability software technology solution to support acute care for outlined facilities. Appropriates $12,000,000 from the General Fund in FY 2025 to ADOA for the single grant. Extends the deadline for ADOA to award the grant from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Prohibits the grant recipient from using a third-party vendor to comply with any Grant Program requirements. Requires the Grant Program to enable the implementation of a single licensed interoperability software technology solution that is accessible to current and future health care providers via a “mobile” (defined), “native” (defined) smartphone application. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/22/2024 8:14 AM

1/22 added to IH

Last Action:
02/19/2024 
S - FAILED   - Senate Third Reading

SB1209 - Hospitals; fentanyl testing
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Requires a hospital to perform a fentanyl test as part of a patient’s drug screening when blood testing to diagnose a patient’s condition. Stipulates that the drug testing for fentanyl is solely for medical diagnosis and may not be used for law enforcement purposes. Exempts hospitals that lack the capability or equipment to perform a rapid drug test for the presence of fentanyl. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:41 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
02/29/2024 
H - House 2nd Read

SB1210 - Pharmacies; safe practices; unprofessional conduct
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: In the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy’s disciplining of a pharmacy, "Unprofessional Conduct" includes, deviation from “safe practices” (defined) in the “provision of pharmacy services” (defined), unreasonably preventing or restricting a patient's timely access to patient records or pharmacy services,  creating an environment that jeopardizes patient care, repeatedly or knowingly failing to provide resources appropriate to safely complete professional duties and responsibilities under state or federal laws and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to those laws, taking disciplinary action or otherwise retaliating against a  licensee or registrant who reports or refuses to operate a pharmacy that deviates from safe practices or a pharmacy that deviates from state or federal laws and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to those laws, interfering with a pharmacist's ability to use the pharmacist's professional judgment.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:41 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
01/30/2024 

SB1211 - Pharmacists; prescribing; naloxone; reporting
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Exempts Naloxone Hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist that is dispensed according to state law from the requirement pertaining to misbranding of a drug or device. Removes requirement for the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (ASBP) approval for a pharmacist to dispense naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist approved by the US FDA and state law and removes any ASBP requirements for documentation. Removes the requirement that dispensing naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist not be included in the patient’s utilization report. Contains an emergency clause. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:42 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
03/21/2024 

SB1212 - Vapor products; sales; directory
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Requires each manufacturer of “vapor products” (defined) that are sold in the state, directly or indirectly, to certify under pains and penalties of perjury to the Arizona Attorney General on an official certification form that the manufacturer has received a marketing authorization or similar order for the products sold in Arizona from the US FDA in accordance with federal law, the product was marketed in the United States by August 8, 2016, the manufacturer submitted a permanent tobacco product application for the vapor product to the US FDA per federal law by September 9, 2020, and the application either remains under review or a final decision on the application has not taken effect. Requires the manufacturer to list each vapor product sold in the state separately on the certification form. Requires that each annual certification form be accompanied by a copy of the marketing authorization or other order for the vapor product issued by the US FDA, or a copy of the acceptance letter of the application to the US FDA noting that the final authorization order has not taken effect, and a fee for each vapor product in an amount to be determined by the Arizona Attorney General. Requires the Attorney General to deposit, pursuant to this legislation, all fees collected from a vapor manufacturer. Establishes the Vapor Product Fund consisting of monies deposited pursuant to this legislation and stipulates that the Attorney General administer the fund and that the fund is continuously appropriated and that it is exempt from lapsing appropriations provisions. Requires the vapor manufacturer to notify the Attorney General if anything changes in the information submitted on the certification form within 30 days after the change. Requires the Attorney General to maintain a list on its website of all manufacturers and vapor products for which certification forms have been presented by October 1, 2024. Requires the Attorney General to provide notice of deficiencies and allow manufacturers to address them and prohibits the Attorney General from removing a manufacturer from the certification list until 15 days after the manufacturer has been notified of any deficiencies. Provides for an appeals process regarding any determination to remove a manufacturer or product from the certifications list. Requires, if a product or manufacturer is removed from the certification list, that a retailer or distributor has no more than 21 days after the removal to remove the product from its inventory and to return all of the product in question to the manufacturer for disposal. Stipulates that if the product is not removed within 21 days, it is subject to seizure, forfeiture, and destruction, and may not be purchased or sold in the state, and that the person from whom the vapor products are confiscated shall pay for the cost of seizure, forfeiture, and destruction. Prohibits, beginning on October 1, 2024, a person or organization from selling a vapor product in the state that is not included in the certification directory, and the manufacturer from selling, directly or through a distributor, retailer, or similar intermediary, a vapor product not included in the directory. Stipulates that a sale of a vapor product that is not included in the directory is subject to a civil penalty for each vapor product that is offered for sale for each day of the violation until the vapor product is removed or properly listed in the directory. Details a fine schedule based on the number of violations. Stipulates that a manufacturer whose vapor products are not listed in the directory and are sold in this state is subject to a civil penalty of $500.00 for each vapor product offered for sale until the vapor product is removed from the market or properly listed in the directory. Prescribes additional penalties for a manufacturer falsely representing any of the information required on the certification form including permitting the Attorney General and other appropriate state agencies to investigate and take appropriate action pursuant to state law. Permits applicable state agencies to examine the inventory of vapor products offered by a retailer and the books, papers, invoices, and other records pertaining to the receipt, placement, storage, sale, or offers related to the vapor products in question. Designates vapor products offered for sale in violation of this legislation as contraband, which may be seized without a warrant by law enforcement. Requires the Attorney General to investigate each complaint it receives relating to this legislation and any violations. Requires each distributor and retailer to comply with unannounced inspections and checks for the purpose of enforcing this legislation. Requires any foreign manufacturer or associated corporation to appoint and continually engage without interruption the services of an agent in the USA to act as an agent for the manufacturer or associated corporation, and defines the requirements that that agent must comply with to remain the agent of record. Requires the Attorney General to provide a report to the legislature regarding the status of the directory, manufacturers and vapor products included in the directory, revenue and expenditures related to the administration of this legislation, and any enforcement activities pursuant to violations of this legislation by February 1, 2025. Permits the Attorney General to adopt rules necessary to administer this legislation. 
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:42 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
02/07/2024 
H - Removed from Hearing Agenda - 02/13/2024, 1:30 PM - Senate HHS, SHR 1

SB1234 - Pharmacy board; virtual manufacturers
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Requires a “virtual manufacturer” (defined) located in Arizona, or located in another jurisdiction that is responsible for shipment of prescription drugs or devices into Arizona to take professionally reasonable efforts to ensure that the United States Food and Drug Administration registered manufacturing entity for the physical manufacture of a prescription medication or prescription device complies with good manufacturing practices as defined in federal regulations. Requires a virtual manufacturer to contract with drug manufacturers permitted to do business in Arizona. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:44 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
04/17/2024 

Ch. 54, Laws 2024 (SB1250 - AHCCCS; claims)
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Adds a deadline of 60 days for a health care insurer to respond to an inquiry regarding a claim for payment for any health care item or service. Previously there was no deadline. Prohibits denial of payment of a claim submitted by the state based solely on lack of prior authorization if the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Administration (AHCCS) authorized the item or service. Removes the requirement that a copy of the yearly report on health care insurer compliance be submitted to the director of the Arizona state library, archives and public records. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:51 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
03/29/2024 
G - Signed

SB1251 - 340B drugs; covered entities; distribution
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Prohibits a manufacturer, “repackager” (defined), third-party logistics provider or “wholesale distributor” (defined), or an agent or affiliate of them to deny, restrict, prohibit, discriminate against or otherwise limit the acquisition of a “340B drug” (defined) to a “340B covered entity” (defined), including someone delivering the drugs, pharmacy or a location authorized by the 340B covered entity if the transaction is legal per federal law. Prohibits a 340B covered entity to submit a claim or utilization data as a condition for allowing the legal acquisition of a 340B drug unless either action is a federal legal requirement. Requires the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (ASBP) to investigate any complaint of an infraction of the above provisions by a person or entity permitted or licensed by the Board and permits the board to impose discipline, suspension or revocation on the permitted or licensed entity. Stipulates that a violation of this legislation is subject to enforcement by the Arizona Attorney General pursuant to state law. Clarifies that each package of drugs that is involved in a violation of this legislation is a separate violation, this legislation may not be construed or applied to be less restrictive than federal law, that limited distribution of a drug required under federal law applying to introduction of drugs and interstate commerce is not a violation of this legislation, and that the legislation does not create a private cause of action against person or entity violating the legislation. Permits the ASBP to adopt rules for implementation.  
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:51 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
01/30/2024 

SB1252 - Health care directives registry.
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Requires the Qualifying Health Information Exchange Organization (Exchange) to identify documents in the Health Care Directives Registry associated with deceased individuals. Requires the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to provide vital records to the Exchange on an ongoing basis.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:51 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
01/31/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

SB1253 - Step therapy; exclusion; medical equipment
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Excludes from this article relating to step therapy a health care provider's order for “durable medical equipment” (defined) that requires frequent and substantial service.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:51 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
01/31/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

Ch. 159, Laws 2024 (SB1254 - Nursing care; assisted living; continuation)
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: The statutory life of the Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers is extended eight years to July 1, 2032. Retroactive to July 1, 2024.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:52 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
04/16/2024 
G - Signed

SB1266 - Physical therapists; imaging; laboratory tests
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Clarifies that the “practice of physical therapy” includes imaging and laboratory tests (previously “musculoskeletal imaging consisting of plain film radiographs”).
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:53 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
01/31/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

SB1268 - Physical therapy; visit limitation; exception
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Requires an exception to visit limitations for physical therapy services when documentation indicates continued therapy is required. Extends restriction against using monies from the hospital assessment fund to payment for chiropractic services.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:53 PM

1/24 added to IH

Last Action:
01/31/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

SB1272 - Insurance coverage requirements; transportation companies
Sponsor: Sen. J.D. Mesnard (R)
Summary: Lowers the required minimum coverage for primary commercial uninsured motorist insurance from $250,000 per incident to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:54 PM

1/24 added to IH and TI

Jillian Kahan
  02/13/2024 9:28 AM

2/13 TI recommends supporting

Jillian Kahan
  02/16/2024 2:30 PM

2/16 PA approved support

Last Action:
03/26/2024 

SB1295 - Advanced practice registered nurses; compact
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Establishes the Interstate Commission of “Advanced Practice Registered Nurses” (defined) (APRN) Compact (Compact), a joint public agency for greater coordination and cooperation among states in the areas of APRN licensure and regulation. Lists the general purposes of the Compact. Lists requirements for member states regarding multi-state licensing. Describes authorities of a party state licensing board. Requires all party states to participate in a coordinated licensure information system of all APRNS, licensed register nurses and licensed practical or vocational nurses, and lists required information. Establishes the Interstate Commission of APRN Compact Administrators (Commission). Specifies rules for membership, voting, meetings, bylaws, and financial records. Lists the powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission, in consultation with the administrator of the coordinated licensure information system, to formulate procedures for the identification, collection and exchange of information under this compact. Specifies reporting requirements and nondisclosure of personal information. Specifies the Commission’s financial obligations and powers. Provides qualified immunity, defenses and indemnification to administrators, officers, executive director, employees and representatives of the Commission. Requires rulemaking and specifies procedures for regular and emergency rulemaking. Lists rules for oversight, dispute resolution and enforcement. Provides that this Compact comes into limited effect when it has been enacted into law in seven party states for the sole purpose of establishing and convening the commission to adopt rules relating to its operation. This law does not supersede any state law related to APRN scope of practice. Severability clause.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/24/2024 3:59 PM

1/24 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  02/12/2024 10:54 AM

2/12 IH recommends supporting

Jillian Kahan
  02/16/2024 2:30 PM

2/16 PA approved support

Last Action:
03/28/2024 
H - RET ON CAL - House Committee of the Whole

Ch. 83, Laws 2024 (SB1367 - Occupational license; criminal record)
Sponsor: Sen. Shawnna Bolick (R)
Summary: Changes the lookback period for felony offenses to three years from seven years for making decisions regarding qualification for a license, permit, certificate or other state recognition. Adds to considerations for determining if a person's criminal record disqualifies the person from obtaining a license, permit, certificate or other state recognition whether the person would qualify for a fingerprint clearance card without a good cause exception. Requires that each agency’s yearly report on petition statistics be posted on the agency’s website. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/26/2024 2:46 PM

1/16 added to IH

Last Action:
04/03/2024 
G - Signed

Ch. 184, Laws 2024 (SB1402 - Health care; costs; reimbursement)
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Allows health insurers to provide a savings incentive program for medically necessary covered health care services priced below the insurer’s usual reimbursement. Allows the program to enable an eligible enrollee to apply the amount paid toward the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum and to be reimbursed for a portion of the difference between the price the enrollee paid and the insurer’s usual reimbursement. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/26/2024 2:48 PM

1/16 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  02/12/2024 10:54 AM

2/12 IH recommends neutral with amendment

Last Action:
05/06/2024 
G - Signed

SB1406 - International medical licensees; provisional licensure
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Allows the Arizona Medical Board (AMB) to grant a provisional medical license to an “international medical licensee” (defined) who has an offer for employment as a physician at any health care provider that operates in a county with a population of less than one million persons, whose federal immigration status allows the person to work as a physician in the US, who meets the statutory requirements for medicine and surgery licensure and, if applicable, the additional requirements for students graduating from an unapproved allopathic school of medicine. Allows AMB to require an international medical licensee to provide evidence of substantially similar medical training; evidence of satisfactory passage of exams; a complete license application; and payment of all required licensing fees. Outlines AMB powers regarding applications. Outlines requirements of a licensee, including working under the supervision of a licensed physician. Requires the licensee to speak the English language at a level sufficient to communicate with patients about medical conditions and treatments. Requires the international medical licensee's employer to notify AMB if the licensee is terminated or leaves employment for any reason. Outlines AMB powers regarding termination and discipline. Requires a provisional license to automatically be converted into a full medical license after four years if the licensee engages in the practice of medicine in Arizona for four years in an area that is designated as medically underserved and is not disciplined by the board during the four-year period of the provisional license. Exempts the Arizona Medical Board and the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery from rulemaking requirements. Effective January 1, 2025. AS PASSED BY SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/26/2024 2:50 PM

1/26 added to IH

Last Action:
04/04/2024 

SB1407 - Employers; vaccines; religious exemption
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Adds Influenza A or B vaccination or flu vaccinations, or any vaccination authorized by the US FDA for emergency use only to the list of diseases an employer must provide reasonable accommodation for if the employee’s sincerely held beliefs prevent them from taking the vaccinations. Prohibits an employer from checking into the veracity of the employee’s religious beliefs, practices or observances, except as provided by federal law, or from discriminating against an employee regarding employment, wages or benefits based on an employee’s vaccination status. Requires the employer to permit an employee to request a religious examination and provides the required form information an employer must provide the employee. Requires the employer keep all form information confidential and prohibits them from sharing the information except that it is necessary to process the request for exemption, accommodation or other operational necessity. Permits employers to create a database of exemption requests for internal use only, per state law. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/26/2024 2:52 PM

1/26 added to IH

Last Action:
03/19/2024 
H - House Minority Caucus - Y

SB1450 - AHCCCS; behavioral health rate study
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)
Summary: Requires the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to deliver, by December 1, 2024, a complete study of behavioral health provider reimbursement rates to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate and the chairpersons of the health and human services committees of the house of representatives and the senate, including an assessment of the impact of fraudulent claims from the preceding five years. Requires AHCCCS reports on reimbursement rates to consider the medical care consumer price index of the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics; inflation since the last rate study but not less than the preceding five years; behavioral health workforce shortages in Arizona that may affect labor costs; for any states used as a comparison, any differences in that state's minimum wage, model of care, provider types and services, state-specific litigation, average time to access behavioral health services, appointment availability, cost of delivering services, and workforce turnover rate and associated training costs; and costs applicable to each level of service.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/29/2024 3:01 PM

1/29 added to IH

Last Action:
01/29/2024 
S - Introduced

SB1468 - Judicial review; occupational licenses
Sponsor: Sen. Anthony Kern (R)
Summary: Relative to judicial review of business license, a licensee, certificate holder, registrant or applicant may forgo an administrative appeal and seek judicial review of an agency's denial, suspension or revocation of an occupational license if the licensee, certificate holder, registrant or applicant believes the denial, suspension or revocation was for political reasons or due to political bias. If the court finds for the licensee, certificate holder, registrant or applicant, the court may reinstate the occupational license and award any damages and attorney fees.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/29/2024 3:04 PM

1/29 added to IH

Last Action:
02/22/2024 
H - Transmit to House

SB1498 - Insurance; lienholder; third-party liability
Sponsor: Sen. J.D. Mesnard (R)
Summary: Removes the stipulation that the “amount actually collectible” (defined) from medical, surgical and hospital benefits paid is the total recovery cost less reasonable and necessary expenses, including attorney fees actually expended in securing the recovery.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 7:51 AM

1/30 added to IH

Jillian Kahan
  02/02/2024 2:23 PM

2/2 PA approved opposition

Last Action:
02/12/2024 

SB1507 - Transitional training permittees; medical licensure
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Relating to medical graduate transitional training permits, a permittee is eligible for licensure as a Doctor of Medicine on successful passage of Step Three of the United States Medical Licensing Examination with a scaled score of at least seventy-five, if the permittee has held a transitional training permit for a period of 36 months and provides to the Arizona Medical Board a letter of recommendation from each of the permittee's supervising qualified physicians.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 7:52 AM

1/30 added to IH

Last Action:
03/11/2024 
S - FAILED   - Senate Third Reading

SB1511 - Insurance; gender surgeries; documentation; reports
Sponsor: Sen. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: Prohibits a “health insurer” (defined) that provides coverage for gender transition procedures to deny coverage for gender detransition procedures. Requires any person or entity that performs gender transition procedures to agree to provide or pay for gender detransition procedures. Requires a health insurer that provides coverage for gender transition services to submit a report within 15 days after the calendar month during which a claim for a detransition procedure was filed and lists the required information, excluding identity of the patient. Requires the Arizona Department of Insurance to prepare an annual statistical report. Allows the Arizona Attorney General to investigate and enforce compliance. Requires Arizona agencies to adopt an expedited process to allow detransitioning individuals to change their name and gender designation on licenses, certificates, permits or other documents and provide reports to the Arizona Department of Administration. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 8:03 AM

1/30 added to IH

Last Action:
03/27/2024 

SB1532 - Prescription drugs; price limits
Sponsor: Sen. Eva Burch (D)
Summary: Any person that purchases a referenced drug in the state may not pay a price for the drug that, excluding any applicable and legal fees, exceeds the “maximum fair price” (defined) during the price applicability period. Reimbursement for that same drug, excluding any applicable and legal fees, must not exceed the maximum fair price. Violations of either provision is an unlawful practice and enforceable by the Attorney General. Each violation constitutes a separate unlawful practice and is subject to investigation and appropriate action by the Attorney General. A person that is a victim of a violation under this law is permitted to bring a private action for consumer fraud.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 8:04 AM

1/30 added to IH

Last Action:
02/06/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

SB1533 - Prescription drugs; costs; affordability division
Sponsor: Sen. Eva Burch (D)
Summary: Establishes the Arizona Department of Health Services Prescription Drug Affordability Division (ADHS) to regulate consumer cost saving mechanisms for prescription drugs. Requires a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) to file a price increase request with ADHS before increasing the price of a drug above the rate of inflation. Requires ADHS to respond within 90 days. Allows for appeal within 15 days of denial. Requires a PBM to provide quarterly reports to ADHS on rebates, frequently prescribed drugs, most expensive prescribed drugs and other information required by ADHS. Prohibits a PBM from charging a carrier or consumer more for a drug than the amount paid to the pharmacy. Requires state-regulated health plans and pharmacy benefit managers to limit reimbursements to the upper payment limit established by ADHS. Prohibits providers from charging more than the upper payment limit to a patient or third-party payer eve if the health plan chooses to reimburse provider above the upper payment limit established by ADHS. Requires a PBM to submit records to ADHS for audit.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 8:04 AM

1/30 added to IH

Last Action:
02/06/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

SB1579 - Parental rights; medical records.
Sponsor: Sen. Justine Wadsack (R)
Summary: Requires a health care entity to provide a parent equivalent access to any electronic portal and any other health delivery platform, including written and electronic medical records for services not requiring parental consent, unless prohibited by law or the parent is the subject of a law enforcement investigation of a crime committed against another child and a law enforcement official requests that the information not be released.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 8:06 AM

1/30 added to IH

Last Action:
02/06/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

SB1584 - Inpatient hospital services; formulary
Sponsor: Sen. Justine Wadsack (R)
Summary: Requires hospitals that provides inpatient hospital services to have clozapine available for patients who have treatment-resistant schizophrenia, to follow the risk evaluation and mitigation strategies associated with clozapine and maintain treatment without requiring excessive patient testing.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 8:06 AM

1/30 added to IH

Last Action:
02/06/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

SB1585 - Appropriations; services providers; reimbursement rates.
Sponsor: Sen. Justine Wadsack (R)
Summary: Appropriates $13,000,000 from the Arizona General Fund and an undetermined amount “in Medicaid expenditure authority” in FY2024-25 to the Arizona Department of Economic Security to provide reimbursement rate increases for home and community-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Appropriates $2,000,000 from the Arizona General Fund in FY2024-25 to the state funded Arizona Long-Term Care Fund for room and board services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Specifies that the legislature intends the appropriations to be ongoing. Requires the Arizona Department of Economic Security to provide reimbursement rate increases by October 1, 2024 to home and community-based services provided to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that each service, other than nursing services and therapy services, receives an increase.  Requires the Department to engage community stakeholders before implementing the increases. Requires the Department to report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by September 1, 2024. AS PASSED SENATE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 8:06 AM

1/30 added to IH

Last Action:
03/21/2024 

SB1595 - Seriously mentally ill; discharge; medications
Sponsor: Sen. Justine Wadsack (R)
Summary: Requires a transferring mental health facility to provide to a transferring or discharged patient a 30-day supply of all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter the patient has been given in the previous ten days before the transfer. The facility must also make sure that all medications have clear, documented instructions, signed by the patient or the patient’s legal guardian, the discharge team and the intake team, if applicable. 
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  01/31/2024 8:07 AM

1/30 added to IH

Last Action:
02/06/2024 
S - Senate 2nd Read

SB1609 - Behavioral health; AHCCCS; health facilities (AHCCCS; personal health information)
Sponsor: Sen. Justine Wadsack (R)
Summary: Requires Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) contractors to minimize duplicative paperwork requirements and limit the number of contractors and entities receiving personal information of members with serious mental illnesses receiving treatment. Prohibits financial gain from any member’s personal health information. AHCCCS to develop and implement processes to monitor its contractors’ oversight of peer specialists to ensure that the peer specialists meet qualifications and receive the required supervision and training. Requires peer specialists to complete training that includes psychosis-specific content, including anosognosia. Requires annual reports from the Administration. Requires a health care institution that is transferring or discharging a patient to provide to the patient a 30-day supply of all prescription and over-the-counter medications the patient was given in the previous ten days that are ongoing or to be taken as needed, including clear, documented instructions. Requires the AHCCCS to establish requirements regarding discharge of AHCCCS members with a serious mental illness from inpatient psychiatric facilities and to define the processes and responsible entities to ensure continuity of care, including verification against the AHCCCS member’s treatment plan of medication, doses, schedules, quantities and routes of administration by a qualified entity. Defines AHCCCS survey and reporting requirements. AS PASSED HOUSE.
Comment:
Jillian Kahan
  02/08/2024 1:41 PM

2/8 added to IH (striker)

Jillian Kahan
  02/08/2024 1:41 PM

Striker: behavioral health; AHCCCS; health facilities

Last Action:
05/09/2024 
S - Senate Minority Caucus - Y