Assigned to HHS AS PASSED BY COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1600
patient rights; health care services
Purpose
Grants patients specified rights when receiving care from a healthcare professional.
Background
Under the rules of the Department of Health Services, health care patients have the right:
1) not to be discriminated against based on race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, age, disability, marital status, or diagnosis; 2) to receive treatment that supports and
respects the patient’s individuality, choices, strengths, and abilities; 3) to receive privacy in
treatment and care for personal needs; 4) to review, upon written request, the patient’s own medical
records; 5) to receive a referral to another health care institution if the outpatient surgical center is
not authorized or not able to provide physical health services needed by the patient; 6) to
participate, or have the patient’s representative participate, in the development of or decisions
concerning treatment; 7) to participate or refuse to participate in research or experimental
treatment; and 8) to receive assistance from a family member, a patient’s representative, or other
individual in understanding, protecting, or exercising the patient’s rights (A.A.C. R9-10-212).
In statute, health professionals includes podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, medical
physicians and surgeons, naturopathic physicians, nurses, dispensing opticians, optometrists,
osteopathic physicians and surgeons, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists,
veterinarians, physician assistants, radiologic technologists, homeopathic physicians, behavioral
health professionals, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, acupuncturists, athletic
trainers, massage therapists, nursing care institution administrators, assisted living facilities
managers, midwifes, audiologists and speech pathologists (A.R.S. § 32-3201).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Grants patients the right to receive healthcare services from a health professional who:
a) only acts in the patient's best interest;
b) does no harm; and
c) except in emergency, ensures each decision has been obtained with informed consent.
2. Defines terms.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
FACT SHEET – Amended
S.B. 1600
Page 2
Amendments Adopted by Committee
• Makes technical changes.
Senate Action
HHS 2/19/25 DPA 4-1-2
Prepared by Senate Research
February 21, 2025
MM/slp