Arizona Senate Bill SB1661

Arizona 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23

Caption

Behavioral health treatment facilities; notification

Impact

The bill also sets forth stipulations regarding the transportation of patients to these facilities. Specifically, it prohibits representatives of the behavioral health residential facilities from transporting individuals who are not sober unless they have been referred by an approved provider of a tribal health care program. This provision is intended to ensure that only appropriate candidates are admitted to such facilities, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the treatment process and the welfare of the patients.

Summary

SB1661 amends Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 2 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, establishing new requirements for behavioral health residential facilities. The bill mandates that these facilities notify a patient's family or next of kin promptly upon the patient's admission for initial evaluation. This notification requirement aims to enhance family involvement in the patient's care at critical initial stages.

Contention

In terms of compliance, the bill introduces a structured punitive system for facilities that violate the notification and transport rules. Facilities failing to comply face escalating fines—$750 for the first violation, $1,000 for a second, and a possible thirty-day suspension of their license after a third violation. Each day of a violation is considered a separate offense, a measure aimed at enforcing strict adherence to the new guidelines. The potential repercussions serve to underline the importance of patient safety and accountability in behavioral health practices.

Notable_points

While aimed at improving patient outcomes and involving families in the healthcare process, potential opposition may arise concerning the punitive nature of the sanctions. Stakeholders may argue that these financial burdens could disproportionately affect smaller or less-resourced facilities. Overall, SB1661 reflects an effort to strengthen the operational standards of behavioral health residential facilities in Arizona while addressing family notification and support.