This bill proposes the addition of Chapter 43 to Title 36 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, focusing on the care of patients with special needs and nonverbal patients. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "Department," "Health care facility," "Health care provider," "Nonverbal patient," "Patient Advocate," and "Patient with special needs." The bill mandates that health care providers conduct enhanced diagnostic evaluations for nonverbal patients or patients with special needs when they exhibit symptoms of serious illness, and it outlines specific diagnostic methods that may be employed. Furthermore, it requires health care facilities to utilize evidence-based pain assessment tools, seek input from caregivers, and provide appropriate communication supports.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that health care facilities must ensure staff receive annual training on various aspects of care for nonverbal patients and patients with special needs, including atypical symptom presentation and communication strategies. It also mandates the documentation of diagnostic decisions and caregiver input in medical records, as well as the submission of annual compliance data to the Department of Health Services. The Department is tasked with monitoring compliance and may require corrective actions for noncompliance. The act is designated as "Cito's Law."