If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to the Arizona Revised Statutes that mandates hospitals accepting payment from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to include a designated area on patient admission forms for individuals to indicate their citizenship status. Specifically, the form would require patients or their representatives to state whether they are U.S. citizens, lawfully present, or not lawfully present in the United States, accompanied by a statement assuring that their response will not impact their care or be reported to immigration authorities.

Additionally, the bill introduces quarterly reporting requirements for hospitals, which must submit data to the Department of Health Services (DHS) regarding the number of admissions or emergency visits categorized by citizenship status. Furthermore, DHS is tasked with compiling an annual report for state leadership that includes total admissions and information on the costs associated with uncompensated care for non-lawfully present individuals. The bill also allows DHS to establish rules for the reporting process while ensuring that patient identities remain confidential.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-407.04
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-407.04