This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes governing health care institutions in Arizona. It modifies the criteria under which the Department may deny a health care institution license application or a change in ownership. Specifically, it expands the reasons for denial to include instances where the applicant or associated individuals have had licenses denied, revoked, or suspended, or have a history of serious violations that posed risks to patient safety. The language clarifies that these considerations apply to both direct and indirect owners and their business relationships.

Additionally, the bill introduces new procedural requirements for complaint investigations and compliance inspections. It mandates that the Department notify licensees of the general nature of complaints while protecting complainant confidentiality. It also establishes a one-year limitation on investigating alleged violations prior to a complaint submission. Furthermore, it requires the Department to cite specific statutes or rules in statements of deficiencies and outlines a process for licensees to dispute deficiencies, including timelines for response and the Department's obligation to review and respond to disputes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-420.05, 36-424.04, 36-424.05