"Do No Harm:" Arizona Patients' Bill of Rights Passes Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                 

Thursday, March 13, 2025

"Do No Harm:" Arizona Patients' Bill of Rights Passes Senate

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are working to better protect patients who are receiving medical care in Arizona with a legislative proposal to bolster rights against unnecessary harm from healthcare providers.

Sponsored by Majority Whip Frank Carroll, SB 1600 passed the Arizona Senate today and heads to the House for consideration. The bill codifies a patient's rights into state statute. It stipulates that if a patient receives health care services in Arizona, the patient has the right to receive health care services from a health professional who acts only in the patient's best interest, resolves to do no harm to the patient, and ensures that each medical decision (except in an emergency) requires informed consent.

"In the wake of the pandemic, Arizonans are demanding peace of mind when receiving any form of health care from a licensed professional or provider. Government, corporations, and any other entities should not dictate what is best for a patient. These decisions need to be left up to the patient, in consultation with their doctors," said Senator Carroll. "Patients should have bodily autonomy and the right to say 'no' as they see fit to any treatments, procedures, or precautionary measures recommended by medical providers. They should also have the right to try alternative treatments, with the state supporting whatever decision a patient makes. By passing this proposal, our state is sending a clear message that we stand alongside patients making their own decisions for their respective avenues of health care. Thank you to my colleagues who voted in support of this bill."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov