AZ SB1444

Amends section 41-3803 of Arizona Revised Statutes to strengthen oversight of the Arizona State Hospital by expanding the independent oversight committee's authority over patients receiving behavioral health services at the civil and forensic hospital.

Prohibits the Arizona State Hospital administration and employees from retaliating against patients or their families for participating in independent oversight committee meetings, though the hospital may still take action against patients who violate hospital policies.

Requires the Arizona State Hospital superintendent and chief medical officer to attend and participate in scheduled oversight committee meetings and respond to committee inquiries regarding seclusion, restraints, abuse allegations, and patient rights issues.

Expands the joint legislative psychiatric hospital review council membership to include a law enforcement officer, hospital executive, and adds feasibility of transferring the Arizona State Hospital to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System as a review topic.

Extends reporting deadlines for the psychiatric hospital review council to December 31, 2022 and 2023, and delays the council's repeal date from August 31, 2023 to August 31, 2026.