This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 13, Chapter 37 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically addressing the failure to maintain adequate records related to behavioral health services. Under the new provisions, a person would be deemed to have committed this failure if the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) determines there is sufficient evidence of fraud, refers the case to a criminal justice agency, and the individual either knowingly fails to maintain necessary records or fails to report the destruction of such records when submitting claims or receiving payments for behavioral health services.

The bill classifies violations of these provisions into two categories: a class 1 misdemeanor for failing to maintain adequate records and a class 2 misdemeanor for failing to report the destruction of records. Additionally, it clarifies that "behavioral health services" will have the same definition as outlined in existing statutes governing health care institutions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and compliance in the management of behavioral health service records.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1236, 32-1276.02, 32-1281, 32-1287, 32-1297.06, 32-4301, 36-2606, 32-1298, 32-1291.01, 32-1289.01
House Engrossed Version: 32-1281
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-3733
Chaptered Version: 13-3733