AZ SB1072

Appropriates $46 million from the state general fund plus $84.201 million in Medicaid expenditure authority annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031 to increase reimbursement rates for home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Appropriates an additional $4 million annually from the state general fund for the same five-year period to increase room and board service reimbursement rates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Requires the Department of Economic Security to engage community stakeholders before implementing rate increases and report increased provider rates to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by September 1 of each fiscal year, with implementation by October 1.

Mandates the department conduct annual workforce surveys to collect data on direct support professionals, including employment length, turnover rates, and vacancy rates, with the Joint Legislative Budget Committee authorized to recommend withholding fiscal years 2029-2030 and 2030-2031 funding if workforce improvements do not occur.

Declares legislative intent that these appropriations be considered ongoing funding in future years.