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 mandates that cognitive impairment and physical impairment be weighed equally in the assessment if they result in a similar level of functional disability.

The bill also stipulates that AHCCCS, subject to available funding, must update the preadmission screening instrument and staff training manuals accordingly. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2027, ensuring that the screening process is more comprehensive in evaluating the needs of applicants, potentially increasing the number of individuals eligible for services under ALTCS.

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