House Engrossed

hospitals; visitation

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

HOUSE BILL 2575

AN ACT

Amending title 36, chapter 4, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 36-407.01; relating to health care institutions.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 36, chapter 4, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 36-407.01, to read:

START_STATUTE36-407.01. Hospitals; visitation; religious purposes; definition

A. A hospital's visitation policy must facilitate the ability of clergy to visit patients for religious purposes, including during a pandemic.  In an end-of-life situation, a hospital must facilitate in-person clergy visitation regardless of the time of day. clergy must comply with reasonable health and safety precautions imposed by hospitals in connection with clergy visitation.END_STATUTE

B. For the purposes of this section, "clergy visitation" or "visit" includes a virtual visit using communication technology.

Sec. 2. Emergency

This act is an emergency measure that is necessary to preserve the public peace, health or safety and is operative immediately as provided by law.