FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, February 13, 2025
Health & Human Services Committee Chair Advances Bills to
Address Doctor Shortage, Strengthen Penalties for Parental Rights Violations
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Health & Human Services Chair Carine Werner is advancing legislation to address Arizona's doctor shortage and strengthen parental rights in schools. Both bills passed Committee with broad, bipartisan support.
SB 1623, sponsored by Chairwoman Werner, provides more than $28 million in state and federal dollars to expand physician residency programs for graduate medical students. With this funding, hospitals that provide training to medical students through internships, residencies, and fellowships may receive reimbursement. A report from the Association of Medical Colleges found that 57% of those who completed their residency are practicing in the state where they received residency training. This bill passed out of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee (HHS) this week with unanimous support.
"We have a shortage of 500 to 700 primary care physicians in Arizona. The problem is only getting worse as our state continues to grow," said Chairwoman Werner. "SB 1623 is a step in the right direction as it encourages local hospitals to provide medical students with real-world, hands-on training to expeditiously prepare them for a career in serving Arizonans when they're sick and need care."
SB 1443, sponsored by Chairwoman Werner, strengthens the Parents' Bill of Rights by empowering parents in decisions regarding their child's health and well-being. The bill ensures that if a parent's rights are violated, a judge can award compensatory damages of at least $2,500 for each violation. Additionally, it clarifies that a parent's authority over their child's health care includes the right to make decisions about mental health care and treatment. SB 1443 passed the senate HHS Committee with bipartisan support.
"I hear growing concerns from parents throughout Arizona about activities within their child's school. SB 1443 strengthens the Parent's Bill of Rights by empowering parents and ensuring school districts don't overstep their boundaries," said Chairwoman Werner "The bill also reinforces that any therapy or counseling provided to children requires parental consent and awareness. I am excited to sponsor bipartisan legislation that protects the best interests of our kids and strengthens communication between schools and parents."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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