This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section, 8-469.03, to title 8, chapter 4, article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The new language explicitly prohibits the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) from entering into agreements with health care institutions that would allow or require payment in exchange for reports of child abuse or neglect. This insertion aims to ensure that financial incentives do not influence the reporting of such critical issues.

Additionally, the bill defines "health care institution" by referencing the existing definition in section 36-401 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. This clarification ensures consistency in terminology and reinforces the scope of the prohibition against financial arrangements that could compromise the integrity of child welfare reporting. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the protection of children by eliminating potential conflicts of interest in the reporting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-469.03