The bill SB1509 amends existing Arizona law regarding informed consent for surgical procedures. It mandates that, except in emergencies, informed consent must be obtained by licensed healthcare professionals (physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants) and must include the dated signatures of the patient, a witness, and the healthcare provider performing the procedure. Additionally, it allows a surrogate decision maker to sign on behalf of the patient if necessary and requires a witness to verify consent if the patient or surrogate is unable to sign.

The bill specifically defines "surgical procedure" as any excision or incision in a patient's body for purposes such as correcting deformities, repairing injuries, or diagnosing and treating diseases. It also stipulates that the witness signature requirement must align with the policies of the healthcare facility involved. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the informed consent process while ensuring that patients' rights and safety are prioritized in surgical settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-3228.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-3228.01