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HB 2329

appropriation; health care directives registry

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Julie Willoughby

Arizona appropriates funds to create a centralized health care directives registry enabling doctors and families to quickly access patients' end-of-life care preferences during emergencies.

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Bill Summary · HB 2329

Legislative bill overview

HB 2329 appropriates funding to establish and maintain a health care directives registry in Arizona—a centralized database where individuals can register advance directives, living wills, and other end-of-life care preferences. This allows healthcare providers and families to quickly locate and access a person's documented medical wishes during emergencies or end-of-life situations.

Why is this important

Without a registry, hospitals and doctors often lack timely access to patients' advance directives, potentially resulting in care that contradicts the patient's documented preferences. A centralized system can reduce family disputes, prevent unwanted medical interventions, and ensure patient autonomy is respected when they cannot communicate. This addresses a real gap in healthcare coordination that affects thousands of Arizonans annually.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data security concerns: Centralizing sensitive medical and personal information creates a potential target for breaches; safeguards and oversight mechanisms need clear definition
  • Access and equity issues: Questions about who can access the registry and whether vulnerable populations (uninsured, non-English speakers, elderly) will be adequately included and informed
  • Implementation costs and sustainability: The appropriation's sufficiency for initial setup and ongoing maintenance is unclear, and long-term funding sources may not be specified

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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