mental health; power of attorney

SB 1570 establishes clear standards for validating mental health care powers of attorney in Arizona. It requires inpatient behavioral health facilities to presume such documents are valid if notarized/witnessed (with proper witness rules) or if using the state's official form from the attorney general's website. Starting October 1, 2026, facility staff must complete annual training on these requirements, developed by the attorney general's office. The bill directly affects patients in behavioral health facilities, their designated agents, and the facilities themselves by standardizing document acceptance and staff knowledge.