SB 1688 Summary

• Establishes a five-member state hospital governing board appointed by the governor to oversee the Arizona State Hospital, replacing the previous departmental structure under the Department of Health Services.

• Transfers authority, powers, duties and responsibilities for the Arizona State Hospital from the Department of Health Services to the new governing board, effective January 1, 2026.

• Creates a director position for the Arizona State Hospital appointed by and accountable to the governing board, replacing the superintendent role previously under the department director.

• Defines governing board member qualifications requiring experience in behavioral health administration or hospital leadership, establishes conflict of interest rules, and prohibits members with familial relationships to patients or involvement in pending litigation against the hospital.

• Specifies governing board duties including budget oversight, policy development, quality assurance, accreditation compliance, medical staff credentialing, and coordination with community mental health services.