If enacted, this bill would amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by updating the preadmission screening process for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). Specifically, it would require the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to enhance the preadmission screening instrument to include an assessment of cognitive needs related to prompting, monitoring, and supervising activities of daily living for elderly applicants and adults with physical disabilities. Additionally, the bill stipulates that cognitive impairment and physical impairment must be weighed equally if they result in a similar level of functional disability.

The bill also mandates that AHCCCS, subject to available funding, update the preadmission screening instrument and staff training manuals accordingly. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2027, and aim to ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of applicants' needs, potentially increasing the number of individuals eligible for services under ALTCS.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2936
House Engrossed Version: 36-2936