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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
health facilities; anonymous complaints; prohibition
Purpose
Prohibits the Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) from accepting or investigating anonymous complaints against health care institutions unless the complaint is from the subject of the complaint allegation or a witness to the alleged conduct in the complaint.
Background
DHS is the
agency responsible for licensing and oversight of all health care institutions
in Arizona, including enforcing statutes, rules and regulations governing
health care institutions. DHS may review and approve plans and specifications,
access books and records and conduct inspections and investigations to
determine compliance with licensing standards. DHS may also develop facility
manuals and guides to health care institutions and the general public (A.R.S.
§ 36-406).
AHCCCS serves as Arizona's Medicaid agency which offers qualifying Arizona residents access to healthcare programs. AHCCCS contracts with health professionals to provide medically necessary health and medical services to eligible members and may establish eligibility and enrollment processes and implement systems related to fraud prevention, quality assurance and contractor compliance (A.R.S. § 36-2903).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
a) the subject of the complaint allegation; or
b) a witness to the alleged conduct in the complaint.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 6, 2026
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