The state health department must approve or deny a complete initial health care institution license application within 90 days, must review and submit qualifying accreditation survey results to the Medicare contractor within 30 days, and may now set an initial licensure inspection fee by rule.
Official title: health facilities; licensure; surveys
- September 12, 2026
What changes
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NowThe department must approve or deny a complete initial application for a health care institution license within 90 days after receiving it.
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NowWithin 30 days after receiving survey results completed by a third-party accreditation organization, the department must review them and submit results that meet federal Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) requirements to the Medicare administrative contractor for certification.
BeforeThe director could set, by rule, nonrefundable application and licensing fees for health care institutions.
NowThe director may also set, by rule, a nonrefundable initial licensure inspection fee. This fee authority still does not apply to institutions run by a state agency under state or federal law or to adult foster care residential settings.
Who it affects
- Operators applying for a new health care institution license, such as hospitals, outpatient treatment centers and residential care facilities
- Health care institutions that use third-party accreditation surveys for Medicare certification
- Arizona Department of Health Services
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- What happens if the department misses the 90-day or 30-day deadline
- How much the initial licensure inspection fee would be, or whether one will be adopted
- Whether the 90-day deadline applies to change-of-ownership applications
- What makes an application 'complete'
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.