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.

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.