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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: RAGE DP 7-0-0-0 | Third Read 29-0-1-0 |
SB 1446: social workers; documentation; dialysis centers
Sponsor: Senator Shope, LD 16
Committee on Health & Human Services
Overview
Prohibits the Department of Health Services (DHS) from requiring a social worker employed by an outpatient dialysis treatment center to document a patient's progress more frequently than on a quarterly basis, unless required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to meet the needs of the patient.
History
Arizona health care institutions are regulated by DHS. Statute defines a health care institution to include facilities such as hospitals, outpatient treatment centers and other entities that provide medical services or treatment to individuals. DHS is responsible for licensing and regulating these facilities, adopting rules governing their operation and enforcing compliance with health and safety standards. A person or entity may not operate a health care institution without a license issued by DHS. DHS may inspect facilities, impose sanctions and take enforcement action for violations of statutory or regulatory requirements (A.R.S. §§ 36-401, 36-405, 36-406 and 36-407).
Outpatient treatment centers are a category of licensed health care institution that provide medical services that do not require inpatient hospitalization. These facilities may include centers that provide specialized treatments such as dialysis services. Licensed health care institutions must maintain medical records for each patient and comply with standards governing patient care, recordkeeping and facility operations (A.R.S. §§ 36-401 and 36-405).
Social workers and other behavioral health professionals who provide services in health care settings are regulated by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (Board). Individuals must be licensed to practice as a clinical social worker, master social worker or related profession, and licensees are required to practice within the scope of their licensure and comply with professional and ethical standards. The Board may investigate complaints and impose disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or violations (A.R.S. §§ 32-3251, 32-3271 and 32-3281).
Provisions
1. Prohibits DHS from requiring a social worker employed by an outpatient dialysis treatment center to document a dialysis patient’s progress in the patient’s medical record more frequently than on a quarterly basis, unless more frequent documentation is required by CMS to meet the patient’s needs. (Sec. 1)
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Initials AG/LK SB 1446
3/5/2026 Page 0 Health & Human Services
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