Arizona Senate Bill SB1140

Arizona 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25

Caption

Telehealth program; homeless; recovery services

Impact

The anticipated impact of SB1140 includes enhanced access to vital health services for the homeless population, enabling a comprehensive census of this demographic, and promoting collaboration between health service providers and shelters. Each participant's progress in recovery will be tracked, and the program will employ various data analytics strategies to identify sociological patterns that could inform future policymaking. The monitoring of key indications such as hospital recidivism, crime rates, and healthcare costs is also mandated, with the department responsible for reporting these findings periodically to the state lawmakers.

Summary

SB1140, known as the Homeless Recovery and Telehealth Integration Act, aims to establish a homeless recovery telehealth pilot program in Arizona through a public-private partnership with a designated telehealth provider. The bill requires the selected provider to facilitate access to mental health, addiction, and primary care services specifically tailored for homeless individuals across the state. This initiative is set to utilize telehealth technology to improve healthcare access and integrate such services into the operations of homeless shelters, hospitals, and community health centers. The bill posits a competitive bidding process to select the telehealth provider, expected to be finalized by March 1, 2026.

Contention

While the bill builds a framework for improved telehealth services for the homeless, it may face scrutiny regarding its implementation and the capacity of local entities to effectively collaborate and manage telehealth integrations. Concerns may arise around the potential challenges of privacy in handling sensitive patient data, as well as the adequacy of training provided to staff in shelters and healthcare facilities. Additionally, the allocation of $10,000,000 in funding from the state general fund raises questions about long-term financing and the efficacy of the anticipated outcomes. Legislative evaluations at the end of the program's cycle could further catalyze discussions on its expansion or modifications.