AARP Arizona Endorses House Bill 2653, A Milestone in Long-Term Care Reform

AARP Arizona announces its support for House Bill 2653, a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the safety, oversight, and quality of long-term care across Arizona. Introduced by Representatives Nguyen and Bliss, H.B. 2653 revolutionizes the standard of care in assisted living facilities, protecting the rights and well-being of residents, families, and care providers.

“House Bill 2653 is a crucial step towards safeguarding the well-being of older Arizonans and enhancing the quality of long-term care in our state. Representative Nguyen’s leadership in sponsoring this bill deserves appreciation,” said Dana Marie Kennedy, AARP Arizona State Director.

Key provisions of H.B. 2653 include the implementation of electronic monitoring policies; rigorous incident and injury reporting guidelines; defined measures for reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and strengthened employee background checks.

AARP Arizona commends Representatives Nguyen and Bliss for sponsoring and co-sponsoring this vital legislation and for their commitment to the health and safety of older Arizonans.

“Since coming to the Legislature, I have made the protection of individuals, and their respective families, residing in health-related facilities a priority. HB 2653 continues my commitment to ensure their dignity, health, safety and wellbeing, whether they are in a facility on a temporary or permanent basis,” said Representative Quang Nguyen.

AARP Arizona urges passage of H.B. 2653 through the Arizona Legislature, as a demonstration of our state’s dedication to improving long-term care facilities and ensuring transparency, safety, and quality care for all residents.

“As a retired nurse, I am all too familiar with the critical importance of ensuring that individuals in assisted living and related facilities reside in a safe environment. HB 2653 is designed to provide individuals and their families with the necessary peace of mind that all facilities will operate in a transparent manner, perform proper due diligence in hiring staff and are accountable for situations that might arise,” said Representative Selina Bliss.

For more information about AARP Arizona’s advocacy efforts, please visit: https://states.aarp.org/arizona/.