It’s Back to School for Teen Drivers
Back-to-school time means that a new bolus of high-schoolers that got their license over the summer are hitting the streets for the first time during the school year. All the data suggests that the first year of driving is an especially important time for safe driving skill development. Fortunately, our State has a “Graduated Drivers License” provision to help better [...]
Arizona State Hospital New Forensic Unit On Track
The new Arizona State Hospital forensic unit construction is on track and progressing nicely. We're in the home stretch now- and the contractors are putting the finishing touches on the project. The new facility will be a huge help and will be much more conducive to helping our patients on their recovery path. It'll also really improve the working conditions for our dedicated staff- and [...]
Medical Marijuana Lawsuits
We’ve had a few inquiries about the number, kinds, and the contents of the (six) lawsuits that have been filed regarding medical marijuana in Arizona. We created a new Lawsuits webpage for folks that want to read the active suits.
PPAZ v. Humble et.al. Suit Resolved
A recent lawsuit (Planned Parenthood of Arizona v. Humble et.al.) was resolved this week. The lawsuit had challenged a new law (signed last legislative session) that (among other changes) requires us to license facilities that perform medication abortions. We already license and inspect facilities that do surgical abortions- the new law requires that facilities that perform “medication” abortions be licensed [...]
Health Centers- a Key Hub for Primary Care
We’re proud to join in the celebration of National Health Center Week by highlighting Health Centers throughout our State and the vital services they provide. Community Health Centers are community-based, patient directed organizations that provide services to medically underserved areas. These valuable safety net providers offer full-time comprehensive primary and preventative care to patients regardless of their ability to pay or their [...]
AZ Well Woman HealthCheck Program Get’s High Marks
Most of us are aware that the Well Woman HealthCheck increases screening for breast and cervical cancer. As part of our federal funding agreement for the program the CDC audits 100% of the services provided. Services are audited for appropriateness and timeliness- even the age of women receiving mammograms is audited for meeting guidelines. We submit program data to CDC twice [...]