On May 4, Governor Ducey issued an executive order that requires certain categories of Arizona care facilities to report to residents – and their guardians, agents under powers of attorney, and next of kin – any occurrence of COVID-19.



Executive Order 2020-35

requires licensed nursing care and residential care institutions, including intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and medical group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, to “report to current residents of congregate settings, next of kin and guardians the number of diagnosed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 occurring within the population of the facility within 24 hours of confirming such information” and to provide regular updates on efforts to keep residents safe.

The Governor’s order is welcome news to individuals who have loved ones in care facilities and have been frustrated in their attempts to get current, accurate information about COVID-19 diagnoses and deaths at the facility.

Because not all care facility staff are aware of the executive order, you may want to print and give them the order and/or provide them with this link:

www.azgovernor.gov/executive-orders

.