Bill > SB1179

This bill continues the developmental disabilities group home monitoring program by amending existing Arizona law to remove a provision that made the program subject to available funding, ensuring its ongoing operation. The program will be conducted by an entity designated by the state to advocate for persons with developmental disabilities, and starting January 1, 2026, this entity will be required to conduct in-person monitoring of group homes serving clients with complex needs. Clients with complex needs are defined as individuals with both psychiatric disorders and developmental disabilities who exhibit disruptive or harmful behaviors. The monitoring will assess whether these clients receive their planned services, including medication and habilitation, and if behavior treatment plans are effective and compliant with regulations. The designated entity will also use a specific tool to evaluate if clients' health and dietary needs are met, if guardians are involved in decisions, if staff have the necessary skills, if adaptive equipment is used, and if incident reporting policies are followed. The program includes requirements for follow-up monitoring, monthly and annual reports from the designated entity to the department, and an expedited referral system for incident reports and complaints to be sent to the designated entity. The department will educate providers, provide necessary information to the designated entity, respond quarterly to identified issues, and publish all reports and the monitoring tool online. The designated entity will report annually to the governor and legislative leaders, and by January 1, 2030, legislative committees will review these reports and the department's responses to determine the program's future. Additionally, this bill repeals a previous law related to this program, ensuring the updated provisions take precedence.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84094