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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
technical
correction; national guard
(NOW: inmate medical records; electronic storage)
Purpose
Allows the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to store an inmate's medical records electronically and allows ADCRR to dispose of any physical copies of an inmate's medical records if the medical records are stored electronically.
Background
The Director of ADCRR, assistant directors, wardens and deputy wardens may access prisoner medical history information maintained by ADCRR if the information affects prison administration or the welfare of the inmate population. Those officials must keep the information confidential but may use the information to establish precautionary procedures and guidelines for care, transportation and housing of inmates whose medical histories require special management (A.R.S. § 41-1606).
An inmate may authorize ADCRR to release the inmate's medical record to a member of the inmate's immediate family or to another designated individual. The authorization must be in writing and comply with federal health information privacy standards, and ADCRR must provide the medical record within 15 calendar days after receiving authorization. ADCRR may also charge a fee for copying and producing the medical record, unless the record is produced electronically (A.R.S. § 31-224.01).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows ADCRR to store an inmate's medical records electronically.
2. Allows ADCRR to dispose of any physical copies of an inmate's medical records if the medical records are stored electronically.
3. Defines medical records as any medical records that are retained by ADCRR or a medical professional and that relate to medical treatment that was provided to the inmate while in a department facility.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
GOV 2/18/26 DPA/SE 7-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/26/26 52-0-8
Prepared by Senate Research
March 13, 2026
ZD/MY/ci