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Connection Newsletter
By AzHHA Communications ● Feb. 6, 2025
Smart Brevity® count: 4.5 mins...1155 words
This week, read about:
- Committee updates on AzHHA priority and supported bills.
- AHCCCS publishing its proposed CYE 2026 DAP initiatives.
- The 2024-2025 HVA/RGA Report.
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Committee updates: AzHHA priority and supported bills
We are now 25 days into the legislative session, with 1,484 bills introduced at the time of writing. A lot has unfolded this week, so let’s catch up.
Legislative highlights:
Senate bill introduction deadline: Monday marked the deadline for Senate bill introductions, setting the stage for what’s ahead.
House Health and Human Services Committee: The committee tackled a packed agenda this week, including two of AzHHA’s priority bills:
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HB2176 health facilities; complaints; investigations; training
- This bill responds to concerns raised by AzHHA members regarding Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) surveyors. It mandates the creation of initial and annual training programs for surveyors.
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Passed out of committee: 11-1
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Note: AzHHA continues to work with ADHS on this issue and appreciates the progress and open dialogue to addressing our member concerns.
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HB2130 claims; prior authorization; denials; contact
- Aimed at improving claims and prior authorization transparency, this bill requires insurers to provide:
- An explanation for denials.
- A point of contact for a person or department for providers and hospitals to follow up.
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Passed out of committee: 12-0 (unanimous)
- Watch our testimony here.
Senate Health and Human Services Committee: On Wednesday, the committee reviewed seven bills, including one that AzHHA supports:
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SB1316 child fatality; maternal mortality
- This bill establishes a dedicated program to evaluate and report on pregnancy-associated deaths, identify preventable causes and recommend changes to reduce maternal fatalities.
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Key change: Separates this program from the existing Child Fatality Review Team.
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Passed out of committee: 6-0
House Commerce Committee: On Tuesday, the committee reviewed a key bill on claims and prior authorizations:
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HB2175 claims; prior authorization; conduct
- Requires health insurers to review all claims and prior authorizations before denial individually.
- Prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the review process.
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Passed out of committee: 10-0 (unanimous)
What’s next: The House Health and Human Services Committee agenda for next week has been published, and we anticipate another long and important meeting on Monday.
Thank you to all of our members who continue to support our legislative efforts. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Damien Johnson, director of government relations.
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AHCCCS publishes its proposed CYE 2026 DAP initiatives
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) posted its proposed Differential Adjusted Payment (DAP) metrics for contract year Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 (CYE 2026).
Why it matters: Hospitals may receive additional AHCCCS funding for the following initiatives:
- Health information exchange (HIE) participation
- Social determinants of health closed loop referral system
- Naloxone Distribution Program (for hospitals with an emergency department that did not participate in CYE 2024 and 2025)
- Maternal Syphilis Program (for hospitals with an emergency department)
- Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Enhancement Program (excluding long-term acute care hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals)
Additionally, long-term acute care hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals may receive pressure ulcer funding.
Go deeper: Contexture is hosting a one-hour webinar from noon to 1 p.m. (Arizona time) on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, to provide an overview of all of the DAP milestones.
- Providers can sign up here.
Comments or questions? Please email AzHHA’s Director of Financial Policy and Reimbursement Amy Upston.
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Now available: 2024-2025 HVA/RGA Report
The Arizona Coalition for Healthcare Emergency Response (AzCHER) has released the updated Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) and Resource Gap Analysis (RGA) Report for 2024-2025.
Why it matters: The HVA and RGA form the foundation for robust healthcare emergency response. By analyzing statewide and regional risks, the report helps:
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Identify top hazards: Understanding threats like extreme heat, network failures and staffing shortages to inform your planning priorities.
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Guide emergency planning: Leverage detailed data on regional vulnerabilities to enhance your own HVA and resource planning.
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Strengthen resilience: Collaborate with coalition partners to address identified resource gaps and develop mitigation strategies.
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Member webinar: AHCCCS and ADHS updates
AzHHA members are invited to a virtual meeting with Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Director Carmen Heredia and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Director Jennie Cunico.
- The webinar is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
Why it matters: The agenda includes:
- AHCCCS updates
- ADHS updates
- Q&A with the directors
What’s next: If you’re interested in attending and haven’t received an invite, please email [email protected].
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Registration open: AzPHA Annual Conference
This year’s conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
- The event will be held at the Desert Willow Conference Center.
Why it matters: This year’s conference theme is “building an innovative and inclusive infrastructure for the public health of the future” and will feature the following topics:
- Using AI to enhance public health practice and population outcomes
- Data infrastructure and informatics
- Public health workforce
- Engaging public health professionals
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Member spotlight: Canyon Vista Medical Center
Diana Jackson, director of environmental services at Canyon Vista Medical Center, has been awarded the 2024 Diamond Award.
- This award recognizes her as the top-performing director across HHS.
Why it matters: Diana’s leadership has transformed environmental services (EVS) at Canyon Vista Medical Center.
- She has improved HCAHPS cleanliness scores and improved staff retention.
Go deeper: Read more about Diana’s impact at Canyon Vista Medical Center.
Congratulations, Diana!
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Wednesday, Feb. 12 - Introduction to POLST
Join physician orders for life-sustaining treatment paradigm (POLST) for their one-hour virtual workshops equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources to begin using POLST in Arizona. Register here.
Tuesday, March 11 - Health Equity Roadmap Workshop: The Waypoint
The Institute for Diversity and Health Equity (IFDHE) will convene hospitals and health systems engaged in the Health Equity Roadmap. Attendees may earn one or two ACHE Qualified Education Hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation. Learn more and register.
April 15-16 - 2025 Arizona Immunization Conference
This one-of-a-kind event provides education and resources so you can better understand the challenges around vaccine confidence and leave the conference encouraged by the success stories from around the state. Join over 500 attendees at the 2025 conference. Register here.
May 4-6 - American Hospital Association Annual Membership Meeting
This event will feature insightful conversations with policymakers, legislators and thought leaders on our most pressing issues. You’ll connect with decision makers who create, shape and implement healthcare policy and influence the political landscape. Register now and save with early bird registration pricing until Monday, March 3, 2025.
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