AZ SB1293

Requires the Department of Health Services to contract with a third-party entity beginning July 1, 2024, to conduct all inspections, complaint investigations, and survey duties for long-term care facilities.

Mandates the contractor inspect each long-term care facility at least twice annually, in addition to complaint-driven inspections, with all inspections being unannounced and occurring at any time.

Prohibits the third-party contractor from accepting accreditation reports or proof of accreditation in lieu of compliance inspections for long-term care facilities.

Requires long-term care facilities to display signs in each resident's room with information about how to file complaints regarding abuse or neglect to the state ombudsman, department, and third-party contractor.

Establishes a long-term care facility inspection fund consisting of legislative appropriations and all fees collected from long-term care facilities, to be used for contracting with the third-party entity and requiring annual reporting to legislative leadership.