ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	House: HHS DPA 8-1-0-0

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HB 2575: hospitals; visitation

Sponsor:  Representative Nguyen, LD 1

Caucus & COW

Overview

An emergency measure that prohibits a hospital's visitation policy from denying a patient visitation from clergy for religious purposes.

History

An accredited hospital is a hospital that is currently accredited by a nationally recognized organization on hospital accreditation (A.R.S. § 36-401).

Statute delineates certain patient civil and legal rights regarding mental health services. Every person detained for evaluation or treatment has the right to be visited by the person's personal physician or other health care professional, guardian, agent, attorney, clergyman or any other person, subject to reasonable limitations as the person in charge of the agency may direct (A.R.S. § 36-514).

Provisions

1. Prohibits a hospital's visitation policy from denying a patient visitation from clergy for religious purposes, including during a pandemic. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires a hospital to allow clergy visitation regardless of the time of day in an end-of-life situation. (Sec. 1)

3. Contains an emergency clause. (Sec. 2)

Amendments

Committee on Health and Human Services

1. Requires a hospital's visitation policy to facilitate the ability of clergy to visit patients.

2. States that a hospital must facilitate clergy visitation regardless of the time of day.

3. Adds clergy must comply with reasonable health and safety precautions imposed by hospitals in connection with clergy visitation.

4. Stipulates clergy visitation or visit includes a virtual visit using communication technology.

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8.                   HB 2575

9. Initials EB/IR         Page 0 Caucus & COW

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