This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 36 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically focusing on hospitals that accept payments from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Under the new provisions, hospitals will be required to include a section on patient admission forms where patients or their representatives can indicate their citizenship status, specifically 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 impact their care or be reported to immigration authorities.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that hospitals submit quarterly reports to the Department of Health Services (DHS) detailing the number of admissions or emergency visits categorized by the patients' immigration status responses. DHS is also tasked with compiling an annual report for state leadership that includes data on hospital admissions and the financial implications of uncompensated care for individuals not lawfully present. The bill allows DHS to establish rules regarding the reporting format while ensuring that no personal identifying information of patients is disclosed.

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