SB1600

THE CONTEXT: 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...

WHAT THE BILL DID: Grants patients specified rights when receiving care from a healthcare professional in Arizona.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to give patients a defined set of rights and a clear informed-consent standard. It would grant patients in Arizona 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 an emergency, ensures that each medical decision, proposed diagnostic, therapeutic procedure or course of action requires informed consent, and would also become effective on the general effective date. Amendments Adopted by Committee Makes technical changes. Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole Applies the patient rights specifically to patients who receive care in Arizona. Amendments Adopted by the House of Representatives Requires health professionals to ensure that, except in an emergency, all diagnostic or therapeutic procedures or courses of action require informed consent of the patient. Governor's Veto Message The Governor indicates in her veto message that S.B. 1600 is unnecessary, as health professionals are already legally obligated to act in their patients' best interests and to obtain informed consent for procedures. Senate Action House Action HHS 2/19/25 DPA 4-1-2 APPROP 3/31/25 DP 11-7-0-0 3 rd Read 3/13/25 17-10-3 3 rd Read 5/6/25 31-23-6 Final Read 5/7/25 17-9-4 Vetoed by the Governor 5/13/2025 Prepared by Senate Research May 30, 2025 MM/AO/ci, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.