Assigned to HHS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1285
obstetric services; rural communities; recommendations
Purpose
Requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to convene stakeholders and staff to
develop recommendations to ensure obstetrics and gynecology services are provided in
low-volume, high-risk rural communities and report its recommendations to the Governor,
President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 31, 2024.
Background
DHS is established to promote and protect the health of residents and provide and
coordinate public health services and programs for Arizona. Responsibilities of DHS include but
are not limited to: 1) promoting the development, maintenance, efficiency and effectiveness of
local health departments or districts; 2) collecting and tabulating all information required in
reference to births; 3) conducting a statewide health education program; 4) coordinating local
programs concerning control of preventable diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition and
dental health; 5) establishing and maintaining laboratories; 6) conducting continual evaluations of
state, local and district public health programs; and 7) licensing and regulating health care
institutions (A.R.S. ยง 36-132).
Obstetrics and gynecology is a branch of medicine that specializes in the care of women
during pregnancy and childbirth and in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female
reproductive organs, as well as women's health issues such as menopause, hormone problems,
contraception, and infertility (National Cancer Institute).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires DHS to convene stakeholders and staff to develop recommendations to ensure
obstetrics and gynecology services are provided in low-volume, high-risk rural communities
in Arizona.
2. Requires DHS to report the recommendations to the Governor, President of the Senate and
Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 31, 2024.
3. Repeals the DHS obstetrics and gynecology services recommendation and reporting
requirements on July 1, 2025.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 3, 2023
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