The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to title 36, chapter 4, article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically section 36-407.04. This new section mandates that hospitals accepting payment from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) must include a designated area on patient admission forms for individuals to indicate their citizenship status, specifically whether they are a U.S. citizen, lawfully present, or not lawfully present in the United States. Additionally, the form must clarify that the patient's response will not influence their care or be reported to immigration authorities.

Furthermore, the bill introduces quarterly reporting requirements for hospitals, which must submit data on admissions and emergency visits related to patients' citizenship status. The Department of Health Services (DHS) is also required to compile an annual report detailing these admissions and the financial implications of uncompensated care for individuals not lawfully present. The DHS is granted the authority to establish rules regarding the reporting format while ensuring that no personal identifying information is disclosed. Overall, these changes aim to enhance transparency regarding patient immigration status in healthcare settings while safeguarding patient confidentiality.

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