This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding new requirements for hospitals that accept payment from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Specifically, it mandates that these hospitals include a section on their patient admission forms where patients or their representatives can indicate their citizenship status, whether they are a U.S. citizen, lawfully present, or not lawfully present in the United States. Additionally, the form must clarify that the patient's response will not affect their care or be reported to immigration authorities.

Furthermore, the bill requires hospitals to submit quarterly reports to the Department of Health Services (DHS) detailing the number of admissions or emergency visits categorized by the patients' citizenship status. DHS is also empowered to establish rules regarding the reporting format and the manner in which hospitals collect this information, ensuring that no personal identifying information is disclosed. Finally, DHS must compile an annual report for state leadership that includes data on hospital admissions and the financial implications of uncompensated care for patients not lawfully present in the U.S.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-407.04
House Engrossed Version: 36-407.04