SB 1251 appropriates $2 million annually from the state lottery fund for a telehealth pilot program targeting problem gambling in Arizona. It directs the Department of Gaming to develop a mobile app offering free, no-cost access to self-guided tools, real-time urge monitoring, expert-developed educational content, family support interfaces, and integration with existing state treatment programs for residents struggling with gambling issues. The bill requires the Department to submit annual reports on program usage and outcomes to state leaders starting in 2026. This is a funding and program implementation measure, not a policy change affecting broader regulations.
SB 1629 requires Arizona managed care organizations (MCOs) to submit a detailed network adequacy study to the administration before terminating contracts with "high-volume" behavioral health service providers (those delivering ≥10% of a specific service or employing >10% of licensed providers) without cause. The study must analyze service provider-to-enrollee ratios, appointment wait times, patient volume, impacts on disabled members, and cumulative termination effects, with MCOs providing 90 days' written notice. The administration reviews these studies within 10 business days and must confirm network adequacy standards will be maintained before allowing termination. This bill directly affects MCOs and high-volume behavioral health providers by creating a review process to prevent disruptions in mental health services.
SB 1320 establishes a task force to address the needs of children with incarcerated parents in Arizona. The task force, made up of diverse stakeholders including former inmates, adult children of incarcerated parents, state agency directors, and legislators, must ensure these children have specific rights (like safety, being heard in decisions, and maintaining parent relationships) and identify gaps in mental health support. It will track metrics like children served and community partnerships, and partner with faith-based groups to provide support programs. The task force must submit a final report by June 30, 2028, after which the bill expires. This directly affects children in Arizona whose parents are incarcerated.
SB 1542 requires Arizona employers to cover workers' compensation for firefighters and certified peace officers diagnosed with PTSD who need Midomafetamine treatment, provided an independent medical exam approves it as a necessary treatment. The bill mandates annual cost reports to the legislature starting in 2029 and specifies that Midomafetamine must meet state controlled substance regulations. It also allocates $10 million for clinical research and training on Midomafetamine treatment for PTSD, specifically targeting first responders and veterans. The coverage and funding provisions are conditional on the FDA approving Midomafetamine for PTSD treatment by 2029.
SB 1564 requires assisted living facilities and nursing care institutions in Arizona to disclose during license applications and renewals whether residents may install electronic monitoring devices (like audio/video recording devices) in their rooms. The state department must then publicly post this information on its website. The bill defines "electronic monitoring" as devices recording or transmitting sounds/activity to residents or their authorized representatives, and specifies that devices must be fixed or installed in the resident's space. This law applies directly to long-term care facilities and residents seeking to use such monitoring technology.
SB 1554 requires Arizona insurers to pay for reasonable and necessary chiropractic services equally to other physicians, prohibiting discriminatory payment practices. It directly affects chiropractors (who provide these services) and insurers (who must cover them without bias). The key provision amends Arizona law to mandate coverage for chiropractic care within the physician's scope, regardless of how the condition or service is described. This ensures chiropractors receive the same payment treatment as other healthcare providers for covered services.
SB 1616 requires business entities offering dental services in Arizona to register with the state dental board, rather than just individual dentists. It mandates registration applications detailing services, responsible dentists, officers, and record custodians, with fees and triennial renewals. The bill also sets requirements for secure patient record protocols, change notifications, and prohibits majority ownership by dentists with revoked licenses. Key exemptions include sole proprietorships of licensed dentists, certain professional corporations, dental schools, and federally regulated facilities. This primarily affects corporate dental practices, not individual providers or exempt entities.
HB 2777 establishes a new registered role for chiropractic assistants in Arizona, requiring them to complete board-approved education, pass an exam, and meet fingerprinting (starting 2027) and CPR training requirements. It defines their scope of practice: they may perform basic clinical duties like taking patient vitals, assisting with treatments, and administering specific physical therapies (e.g., ultrasound, hot/cold packs) under a chiropractor’s direct supervision (in the same room/office suite). However, they cannot diagnose, perform adjustments, take x-rays, change treatment plans, or conduct independent care. The bill also prohibits unregistered individuals from using the title "chiropractic assistant" or claiming registered status.
HB 2617 prohibits health insurers in Arizona from requiring cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) for diagnostic prostate cancer screenings for specific high-risk men starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects men who are 55 or older, carry BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutations, have a family history of prostate cancer (including first-degree relatives diagnosed or deceased from it), or are military veterans exposed to Agent Orange. The bill applies to hospital service corporations, health care organizations, disability insurers, and group disability insurers. Key provisions define "high-risk" categories and mandate coverage without cost-sharing for screenings, aiming to improve early detection access for these groups. The law does not change screening guidelines but removes financial barriers for covered services.
HB 2958 expands dental coverage under Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS) to include comprehensive dental care for pregnant women aged 21 and older, including extractions, without the annual $1,000 spending limit that applies to non-pregnant adults. This change ensures pregnant women enrolled in AHCCCS can access full dental treatment as part of prenatal care, removing prior financial restrictions. The bill directly affects pregnant women in the Medicaid program by adding this specific benefit to existing coverage. It does not alter dental coverage for non-pregnant adults or other program provisions.
