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

ADHS Issues Standing Orders for Flu, COVID-19 Vaccine Access

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. 

Arizona Asks Supreme Court to Halt Prison Health Care Takeover

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .