eligibility determinations; developmental disabilities

HB 2174 amends Arizona law to clarify eligibility requirements for developmental disabilities programs. It requires applicants to be Arizona residents with documented developmental disabilities (using culturally appropriate tests) and establishes a referral process to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System for eligibility determination after initial screening. The bill specifies that applicants who voluntarily refuse to cooperate - such as by declining to establish an estate or trust - will be deemed ineligible, and a form explaining this consequence must be signed. It also prevents the department from requiring people to apply for developmental services before seeking eligibility through the main system. These changes affect Arizona residents seeking state-funded developmental disabilities services.