This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes governing health care institution licensing and complaint investigations. Under the new provisions, the Department of Health Services (DHS) would be allowed to deny a health care institution license or change of ownership if there is a likelihood of jeopardizing resident or patient safety due to the applicant or associated individuals' prior licensing issues, including serious violations in Arizona or other states. The existing criteria for denial based on enforcement or court actions would be removed, streamlining the grounds for denial to focus on the applicant's history and relationships.

Additionally, the bill establishes new requirements for complaint investigations and compliance inspections. DHS would be required to notify licensees of the general nature of complaints while protecting complainant confidentiality. It would also limit investigations to alleged violations occurring within the past 12 months, with exceptions for abuse allegations. Furthermore, the bill mandates that statements of deficiencies include specific statutory citations and outlines a structured process for licensees to dispute deficiencies, including timelines for responses and the issuance of amended statements. Importantly, decisions made by DHS regarding statements of deficiencies would not be subject to appeal.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-420.05, 36-424.04, 36-424.05
House Engrossed Version: 36-420.05, 36-424.04, 36-424.05
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-420.05, 36-424.04, 36-424.05
Chaptered Version: 36-420.05, 36-424.04, 36-424.05