The proposed bill would update current statutes by introducing new provisions and requirements for the Parents as Paid Caregivers Program (PPCG) under Arizona law. Key updates include prohibiting parents from billing for services when the minor child is not present and for household tasks typically performed by a parent of a child without disabilities. The bill also mandates quarterly reporting by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the Department of Economic Security (DES) on service utilization, enrollment growth, and emergency visits. Additionally, it requires the adoption of a standardized assessment tool for extraordinary care needs, limits the hours parents can provide care, and establishes residency requirements for caregivers. Moreover, the bill removes the requirement for AHCCCS to submit a waiver amendment request to implement a 20-hour per week limit for the PPCG and sets a cap of 40 hours of care per week per child starting June 30, 2025. It also ensures that any new waiver proposals that expand eligibility or add services must receive legislative authorization. The bill includes appropriations for the developmental disabilities Medicaid program and mandates a special audit of the program, with findings due by August 1, 2026. Overall, these updates aim to enhance oversight, accountability, and appropriate funding utilization within the PPCG.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2901.06, 41-723, 36-3312
Senate Engrossed Version: 41-723, 36-2970.02, 36-3311, 36-3312