The proposed bill would update current statutes governing health care institutions in Arizona by introducing new requirements and processes. Specifically, it would require the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) to notify licensees of the nature of complaints during investigations, while ensuring that protected health information remains confidential. Additionally, the bill would establish a public priority matrix for complaints, detailing levels of complaints, the process for determining these levels, and investigation time frames. It would also stipulate that DHS cannot consider violations occurring more than one year prior to an investigation and mandates that statements of deficiencies include relevant statute or rule citations.

Moreover, the bill would enhance the training and oversight of DHS licensing surveyors and managers through an annual training program focused on compliance, professional conduct, and communication. It would also allow DHS to deny licenses or ownership changes that could jeopardize patient safety and require the adoption of rules for evaluating ownership transfers. Overall, these updates aim to improve transparency, accountability, and safety within Arizona's health care institutions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-420.05, 36-424, 36-424.01, 36-424.02, 36-424.03, 36-427, 36-431.01, 36-446.07
House Engrossed Version: 36-420.05, 36-424.01, 36-424.02, 36-424.03