AZ HB4012

Requires health care facilities to conduct enhanced diagnostic evaluations for nonverbal patients and patients with special needs, including laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and additional tests when clinically indicated

Mandates use of evidence-based pain assessment tools appropriate for special needs patients and requires providers to document input from family members or caregivers familiar with the patient's baseline behavior

Requires annual training for emergency department staff on atypical symptom presentation, specialized pain assessment, communication strategies, and sensory-sensitive care for special needs patients

Obligates health care facilities to provide access to patient advocacy or social work services upon request to assist with communication and caregiver involvement

Requires facilities to document diagnostic decisions, communication methods, and caregiver input in medical records, and submit annual compliance data to the Department of Health Services