Physician-backed Legislation Advances in Arizona Legislature

February 6, 2026

ArMA Priority Legislation Advances in Arizona Legislature

Arizona's 2026 Legislative Session is in full swing, with key Arizona Medical Association priorities already advancing through the process.


Prior Authorization Reform Bill Passes Committee



On Monday, Feb. 2, ArMA-initiated House Bill 2194 (claims; prior authorizations; denials; contact), which will require insurers to provide a point of contact and comprehensive explanation with denials, passed out of the Health Committee with unanimous support.


ArMA Opposes Naturopathic IV Antibiotic Expansion


On Wednesday, Feb. 4, ArMA testified in opposition to a dangerous proposal that would allow naturopaths to utilize IV antibiotics. Although the bill passed along partisan lines, there are many more opportunities to stop it before it becomes law. If you haven't yet done so, sign in opposed on Request to Speak* and send an email to the Arizona Senate detailing your concerns.


*Need guidance on how to use the Capitol's Request to Speak platform? Click here.


Licensed Midwife Legislation Under Negotiation


Negotiations are ongoing over legislation pushed by licensed midwives to increase oversight and regulation, as well as allow for some expanded prescriptive authority. After extensive testimony, the bill, House Bill 2251, was held in committee with a commitment from the sponsor to work with stakeholders on finding common ground.


Upcoming Legislation: Be Ready!


Next week will be a busy one, with ArMA-initiated House Bill 2617 (insurance; prostate cancer; cost sharing) being heard on Monday. Notably, ArMA opposed legislation expanding pharmacists' scope to allow them to "test and treat" for flu, strep, COVID, and HIV PrEP. There is still a chance for it to be heard on Feb. 16, so please stay tuned for advocacy updates.


View ArMA's Full 2026 Legislative Agenda


These bills represent just a portion of ArMA's advocacy work this session. For a comprehensive overview of our key priorities and legislative positions, view our full 2026 Legislative Agenda on LinkedIn.

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 .