This bill proposes to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 36-407.04, which introduces specific requirements for hospitals regarding the collection of information on patients' immigration status. Under the new law, hospitals that accept payments under chapter 29, article 1 must include a section on their patient admission forms for patients or their representatives to indicate their immigration status, with a reassurance that this information will not affect their care or be reported to immigration authorities.

Additionally, the bill mandates that hospitals submit quarterly reports to the department detailing the number of admissions or emergency visits categorized by patients' immigration status. The department is also empowered to establish rules regarding the reporting format and the information required on admission forms, ensuring that no personal identifying information is disclosed. Furthermore, the department is required to compile and submit an annual report to state leadership, summarizing the data collected and providing insights into the costs associated with uncompensated care for patients not lawfully present in the U.S.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-407.04