The pressure is beginning to build at the Arizona Capitol as the window for bills to stay alive continues to shrink.
Committee agendas have remained relatively limited this week, but that is expected to change quickly.
But first, a quick look at where things stand this week.
Days of session: 60
Bills posted: 1,966
Bills passed: 15
Bills vetoed: 12
Bills signed: 3
What happened this week:
The House HHS Committee met Monday afternoon and heard ten bills.
As mentioned in last week’s update, several of those bills focused on reforms related to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the Department of Child Safety (DCS).
The Senate HHS Committee met Wednesday morning with a seven-bill agenda.
One AzHHA priority bill, HB2176, was heard during the meeting. The bill works to improve transparency and clarify timelines for complaint investigations involving healthcare institutions.
AzHHA and the Arizona Public Health Association is providing testimony in support of the bill. It passed out of committee unanimously with a 7–0 vote.
Looking ahead to next week: Committee activity is expected to increase significantly.
The House HHS agenda released for Monday includes 18 bills, a sharp jump from recent weeks. This increase is anticipated as the Legislature approaches the end-of-March deadline for bills to be heard in committee in the opposite chamber.
At the time of publication, the Senate HHS agenda has not yet been published.
Several of the bills scheduled in House HHS are priorities for AzHHA, including SB1162 and SB1253.
An amendment will be offered for SB1162 to include a definition of behavioral health technicians. The goal is to address ongoing confusion related to billing and supervision requirements between the Arizona Department of Health Services and AHCCCS.
SB1253 also continues to receive strong support. The bill aims to clarify confusion surrounding DCS policy and interpretation related to hospital deliveries and Safe Haven relinquishments.
One bill scheduled for the agenda that remains a concern for AzHHA is SB1120.
While AzHHA supports the goal of protecting providers and staff from radiation exposure, AzHHA has concerns about the unfunded mandate requiring specific devices. Many of the technologies referenced are relatively new to the market, lack robust evidence-based research and several devices currently available do not have FDA approval.
AzHHA respects the efforts of the bill sponsor and the providers advocating for stronger protections. However, we will remain focused on reducing unfunded mandates on hospitals, particularly at a time when many health systems are already preparing for potential policy and funding changes at the federal level that will impact the healthcare industry across the board.
AzHHA submits comments on the CYE 2027 DAP
Last week, AzHHA submitted comments on the Contract Year Ending (CYE) 2027 (Oct. 1, 2026-Sept. 30, 2027) Differential Adjusted Payment (DAP).
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System’s (AHCCCS) preliminary public notice can be found here.
Why it matters: Most hospitals may receive a 2% increase on all AHCCCS inpatient and outpatient payments if they participate in certain DAP initiatives, while Indian Health Services and 638 tribally owned and/or operated facilities may receive up to a 3% increase.
DAP amounts and participation requirements are updated annually.
What they're saying: AzHHA provided suggested improvementsto AHCCCS’ current proposal, including:
A third pathway for hospitals subject to APR-DRG reimbursement and behavioral health hospitals to earn an increased DAP by continuing to participate in the health information exchange.
Greater flexibility in timing for hospitals that participate in the Maternal Syphilis Program to train staff, implement routine syphilis testing and submit baseline data.
Ensure parity for IHS and 638 tribally owned and/or operated facilities that participate in the Maternal Syphilis Program or the Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Enhancement Program.
What’s next: AHCCCS is expected to publish the final notice in approximately one month.
Typically, hospitals have until April 1 to submit required letters of intent to participate in the DAP program.
OB emergency simulation training available to emergency departments across the state
AzHHA’s Workforce and Clinical Excellence team has secured additional funding to continue supporting the delivery of OB emergency simulation training for emergency departments across Arizona.
Why it matters: Obstetrical emergencies can have devastating consequences for the mother and baby, making early recognition and response essential.
The big picture: The OB emergency simulation covers preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage and maternal code scenarios.
Each session is two hours.
Four to five learners can participate in each session.
A facility can have up to four sessions in a day.
The bottom line: This training is available for free to members and nonmembers for emergency departments at OB and non-OB hospitals as well as standalone emergency departments.
This year’s AzCHER Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held June 9-10 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
This year’s theme is “Many voices, one mission: Advancing healthcare preparedness together.”
Why it matters: This year’s one-and-a-half-day conference features sessions shaped by member feedback and brings together experts across healthcare, public health and emergency management.
Topics include workplace violence, behavioral threat assessment, regulatory updates, lessons learned and coordinated response.
Day two offers in-depth workplace violence and active-shooter preparedness training, including targeted instruction and hands-on exercise development to strengthen prevention, response and recovery in healthcare settings.
Member spotlight: Healthy smiles start with access to care😁
Nearly 300 children and teens on the San Carlos Apache Reservation received free dental screenings, fluoride treatments and hands‑on brushing and flossing education during San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation’s annual Children’s Dental Open House on Thursday, March 5, 2026. 🦷🪥
The big picture: Now in its eighth year, the Children’s Dental Open House reflects the ongoing commitment Arizona hospitals and healthcare providers have to care for every patient and strengthen the communities they serve — especially through preventive, no‑cost care for youth.
Why it matters: With nearly 40% of the local tribal population under the age of 18, the event underscores the hospital’s ongoing efforts to expand access to preventive dental care for youth across the San Carlos Apache community.
The team from San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation hosted this free event with interactive, holiday-themed dental stations to provide members of the community a fun way to experience dental care.
Saturday, March 14, 2026 - 13th Annual ACMA Case Management and Transitions of Care Conference The Arizona Chapter of the American Case Management Association (ACMA) hosts a day of education and networking for those who work in case management or transitions of care. Come learn about the latest advancements, exchange experiences and enjoy a great time with colleagues. Register now.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - Health Workforce Wellbeing Day at the Arizona Capitol Health leaders, legislators, students and advocates will gather at the Arizona State Capitol from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 18 to mark Health Workforce Wellbeing Day. The event will feature recognition of legislative leaders, poster conversations with health professionals and students, updates on workforce initiatives and loan repayment programs, lunch and opportunities for networking across sectors. Learn more and register here.
Friday, May 1, 2026 - From Crisis to Care: Improving Outcomes in Arizona’s Behavioral Health System The Arizona Public Health Association’s 98th Annual Conference will focus on strengthening Arizona’s behavioral health system and improving outcomes for people with mental and behavioral health needs. This year’s conference will highlight innovative strategies, evidence-based practices and policy approaches that move the system beyond crisis response and toward sustainable, person-centered care. Learn more and register.
June 9-10, 2026 - 2026 AzCHER Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Conference This year’s theme is “Many voices, one mission: Advancing healthcare preparedness together.” This year’s one-and-a-half-day conference features sessions shaped by member feedback and brings together experts across healthcare, public health and emergency management. Register now.
Save the Date: 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference Mark your calendar for the AzHHA Foundation’s 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference, taking place Oct. 21–23 at the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort. This annual gathering brings together hospital and healthcare leaders from across the state for engaging discussions, networking and forward‑focused learning. Additional details, registration information and sponsorship opportunities will be shared in the coming months. Questions may be directed to communications@azhha.org.
