Action Alert: Arizona Legislature Enters Final Committee Week

March 20, 2026

Arizona Medical Association

Vitals From the State Capitol: Physician Action Needed as Bill Hearings Enter Final Stretch

Week 10 of Arizona's Legislative Session | March 20, 2026



The Arizona State Legislature is in its final week for most bills to be heard in opposite-chamber committees — and agendas have been long.


Meanwhile, meaningful budget negotiations between Republican leadership, Governor Katie Hobbs, and Democrats legislators remain stalled over spending priorities including HR1 tax conformity, K-12 funding, and ESA oversight.



While budget negotiations continue to simmer, there are three ArMA-tracked bills that require your attention today.

⚠ Action Needed

 HB2444: Pharmacist Test & Treat Bill

House Bill 2444, which would authorize pharmacists to independently test and prescribe treatments for flu, strep, COVID-19, and HIV PrEP/PEP, narrowly passed the full House and has not yet been assigned a Senate committee. While that delay is encouraging, the bill could still receive a hearing in the next two weeks. ArMA's Advocacy Team continues to actively oppose the measure.



Now is not the time to ease up. Join us in urging the full Senate to oppose HB2444.

Action Needed

Send a pre-drafted, customizable letter to the full Senate and share your concerns about HB2444.

Email the Senate

ArMA Opposed

SB1178: Naturopaths & Drug Administration

Senate Bill 1178, which would permit naturopaths to administer antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals intravenously, passed the House Health Committee with a 7-4 vote on Monday.


ArMA has serious concerns about the patient safety implications of allowing individuals without medical training to administer these treatments in outpatient settings, and is actively lobbying against the bill's further advancement.



You can help us by contacting the full House of Representatives and urging members to vote no.

Action Needed

Send a pre-drafted, customizable letter to the House of Representatives asking them to oppose SB1178.

Contact Your Representatives

ArMA Opposed

HCR2056: Constitutional Amendment on Medical Mandates

House Concurrent Resolution 2056 is a legislative ballot referral that, if approved by the Senate and ratified by voters this fall, would enshrine a constitutional right to refuse vaccinations and other medical interventions in Arizona. The measure is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Government Committee on Tuesday, March 24.



ArMA opposes this resolution as a serious threat to public health. Sign in on the Request-to-Speak system to make your voice heard before Tuesday's hearing.

Action Needed

Sign in on RTS before Tuesday's Senate Government Committee hearing. 

Sign In on RTS

Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital Launches Largest Expansion in Its History

By Admin User • August 7, 2026
Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital Launches Largest Expansion in Its History Investment Expands Inpatient and Procedural Capacity to Meet Rising Demand for Cardiovascular Care The Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix announced last week that it is undertaking the largest expansion in its history. The new construction will add inpatient and procedural capacity to serve more Arizonans in need of heart and vascular care. Meeting Arizona's Growing Demand for Heart Care Abrazo explained that the expansion is necessary to support Arizona's continued population growth, which is driving increased demand for cardiovascular services. The added capacity will allow the hospital to not only treat more patients requiring cardiac, vascular, and critical care, but also continue its participation in clinical research and innovation.  Part of a Multi-Year Investment Strategy In its press release, Abrazo describes the expansion as the latest phase of ongoing, multi-year investments intended to advance care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of communities across the state. The hospital did not report an anticipated completion date for the project. Source: Abrazo Health

Arizona Erases $1 Billion in Medical Debt for Nearly 671,000 Residents

By Admin User • August 7, 2026
Hobbs Highlights Milestone in Ongoing Partnership With Undue Medical Debt Gov. Katie Hobbs announced this week that more than $1 billion in medical debt has been erased for nearly 671,000 Arizonans, marking a significant milestone in the state's ongoing partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. How the Program Works The initiative, first launched in 2024, purchases qualifying medical debt from hospitals and collection agencies for a fraction of its value before eliminating the debt entirely for eligible patients. Who Qualifies According to the governor's office, recipients do not need to apply for the program. It is available to Arizona residents who: Receive low- and moderate-income Have medical debt that represents a substantial share of their annual income A Flashpoint in the 2026 Election Season Healthcare affordability has been at the forefront of Arizona's political conversation as the 2026 election season intensifies. Supporters argue that relieving burdensome medical debt can improve: Families' financial stability Creditworthiness Willingness to seek needed healthcare Critics of similar programs have generally questioned whether debt forgiveness addresses the underlying drivers of rising healthcare costs or simply treats the financial consequences after care has been delivered. As debates continue over healthcare affordability and access, Arizona's medical debt relief initiative is expected to remain a prominent example in broader discussions about how states can help patients facing significant medical expenses.