The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to require hospitals that accept payment from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to include a designated area on patient admission or registration forms. This area would allow patients or their representatives to indicate their immigration status, specifically whether they are U.S. citizens, lawfully present, or unlawfully present in the United States. Additionally, the form must include a statement assuring patients that their responses will not affect their care or be reported to immigration authorities.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that hospitals submit quarterly reports to the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) detailing the number of admissions or emergency visits categorized by the patients' immigration status. DHS is authorized to establish rules regarding the reporting format while ensuring that no personal identifying information is disclosed. Lastly, DHS is required to compile an annual report for state leadership, summarizing the admissions data and addressing the financial implications of uncompensated care for individuals not lawfully present in the U.S.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-407.04