by Jonathan Eberle | Jun 2, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Health insurers in Arizona will soon be required to involve a licensed physician before denying medically necessary care, under a new law aimed at increasing oversight and accountability in coverage decisions. House Bill 2175, introduced by Republican House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby (R-LD13), was signed into law after receiving strong bipartisan support in the state legislature.
The legislation mandates that an Arizona-licensed medical director must personally review any denial based on medical necessity, whether it involves a prior authorization or a claim. Crucially, the reviewing physician must exercise independent medical judgment and cannot rely solely on automated tools or artificial intelligence systems.
“This law ensures that a doctor, not a computer, is making medical decisions,” said Willoughby in a statement. “If care is denied, it should be by someone with the training and ethical duty to put patients first.”
The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing insurers more than a year to adapt their internal procedures. The delayed implementation aims to give companies time to bring their policies into compliance, including staffing licensed physicians for the review process.
The measure comes amid growing national scrutiny over how insurers use algorithms and automated decision-making tools in the claims process. Critics argue that such systems can lead to denials of care without adequate clinical oversight, potentially putting patient health at risk.
Supporters of HB 2175 say the law provides a necessary check on those systems and re-centers medical decision-making around qualified professionals who are accountable to both patients and state standards.
“Arizona families deserve real oversight when it comes to life-changing medical decisions,” Willoughby said. “This law puts patients ahead of profits and restores a layer of accountability that’s long overdue.”
The new policy aligns with the House Republican Majority Plan, which emphasizes individual rights and system transparency. While the law’s primary sponsors are Republican, it passed with bipartisan support, reflecting broad legislative agreement on the need for more oversight in insurance determinations.
The implementation of HB 2175 will be closely watched by healthcare advocates, insurers, and policy analysts as Arizona becomes one of the latest states to regulate the use of AI in healthcare decision-making.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | May 31, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona homeowners will soon have greater freedom to add accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to their properties, thanks to a new law aimed at easing housing constraints and expanding property rights across the state.
House Bill 2928, signed into law last week, was spearheaded by House Majority Leader Michael Carbone. The legislation establishes statewide rules that limit local governments’ ability to restrict ADUs—also known as casitas or guest houses—on lots zoned for single-family homes.
“Arizona homeowners should be able to use their property without being buried in red tape,” said Carbone. “Whether it’s for an aging parent, a young adult, or a rental opportunity, ADUs are a practical solution—and it’s time the law recognized that.”
Under HB 2928, counties must adopt consistent standards by January 1, 2026, or default provisions outlined in the law will automatically take effect. The bill bars local governments from imposing strict design standards, excessive parking requirements, or costly infrastructure upgrades that have historically made ADUs difficult to build.
Key provisions of the law include prohibiting rules that require a preexisting relationship between homeowners and ADU occupants; limiting fees and setback requirements that raise construction costs; and allowing both attached and detached ADUs by right on single-family lots.
The legislation includes carveouts for tribal lands, military zones, high-noise areas, and utility easements. It also permits counties to require septic evaluations where appropriate.
Supporters argue the measure is a meaningful step toward addressing Arizona’s housing affordability challenges. By enabling more flexible use of existing properties, lawmakers say the bill will help ease pressure on housing supply without large-scale development.
“This law gives homeowners more freedom, cuts through bureaucracy, and ensures Arizona families can thrive,” Carbone said.
The reform aligns with broader goals outlined in the House Republican Majority Plan, which emphasizes reducing government intervention and promoting individual rights.
As Arizona continues to experience rapid population growth, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed interest in finding creative housing solutions. ADUs—long used in other states as a way to increase density without altering neighborhood character—are increasingly seen as a tool to meet that demand.
With HB 2928 now law, the focus shifts to implementation, as counties work to meet the 2026 deadline for adopting the required rules.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | May 30, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A new study analyzing nurse-to-population ratios across the United States has revealed that Arizona is facing one of the country’s most severe nursing shortages, ranking 10th overall.
According to data compiled by Injured In Florida, a Florida-based personal injury law firm, Arizona has just 1,686 nurses per 100,000 residents—well below the national average of 2,057. The research examined the total number of registered nurses and nurse practitioners in each state using figures from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and compared them to U.S. Census population estimates.
Arizona is home to 127,834 nurses in total, consisting of 116,708 registered nurses and 11,126 nurse practitioners. Despite a growing population and a robust healthcare system, the state’s ratio of nurses per capita places it firmly in the top ten states with the worst shortages.
Arizona joins several of its western and southern peers in the top ten, a trend the study’s authors say highlights regional disparities in healthcare staffing. Utah ranked as the state with the most severe shortage, with only 1,340 nurses per 100,000 people. Washington (1,462), Georgia (1,533), and Wyoming (1,543) followed closely behind.
“The top ten ranking is evenly split between states in the West and states in the South, suggesting a pattern of nurse shortages in these areas,” a spokesperson from Injured In Florida said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the states with the most nurses are primarily located in the Northeast and Midwest, highlighting a clear difference in availability between regions.”
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Hawaii boasts the most robust nursing workforce, with 2,967 nurses per 100,000 residents. New York and Alaska follow closely, at 2,918 and 2,801 respectively.
The nurse shortage in Arizona raises concerns for patients and healthcare providers alike. Experts warn that lower nurse-to-patient ratios can result in longer wait times, increased stress and burnout among current staff, and potential declines in patient care quality.
However, the data could present an opportunity for job seekers in the healthcare field. “States with the worst nurse shortages will likely have plenty of job opportunities for nurses or aspiring nurses,” the spokesperson added. “If you are a nurse looking to relocate for work, these states might be a good starting point.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | May 29, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
In an era dominated by global social media platforms, one Arizona-based startup is taking a different approach—focusing not on the world at large, but on the people living right next door.
ConnectNeighbors.com, a new digital platform founded by Air Force veteran and entrepreneur John Backer, has officially launched nationwide, offering free, hyperlocal websites designed to help neighbors connect, communicate, and collaborate. With over 5,000 neighborhood-specific sites already live—spanning all 50 states, 431 cities, and 3,080 counties—the platform has rapidly gained traction, surpassing 2 million page views.
“We built ConnectNeighbors.com to create stronger, better-informed neighborhoods,” said Backer in a statement. “It’s a modern front porch—a place where people can share, connect, and build community pride.”
Unlike traditional social networks, ConnectNeighbors.com emphasizes geographic specificity. Each site is tailored to a particular community, offering resources and updates that matter most to local residents. Features include event calendars, garage sale listings, real estate updates, neighborhood watch alerts, school contact information, and even space for homeowners association (HOA) links and local vendors.
But perhaps the most distinctive aspect of ConnectNeighbors.com is its sponsorship model. Rather than relying on advertising revenue or subscription fees, the platform is sustained by local Realtors who sponsor and manage their respective neighborhood sites. These sponsors serve as community liaisons, curating content and offering insight in what the company calls an “attraction marketing” approach.
“The response has been amazing,” said Backer. “Realtors love the visibility, and residents appreciate the convenience. Most people have told us they’ve never seen anything quite like ConnectNeighbors.com—it’s a win for the whole community.”
The model appears to be resonating. Residents can easily locate their neighborhood page at ConnectNeighbors.com, and if a specific community isn’t yet represented, users can request its creation. For real estate professionals, sponsorship opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis—with only one Realtor assigned per site to ensure exclusivity.
As digital platforms continue to evolve, ConnectNeighbors.com is betting that community-focused connectivity—rooted in geography, trust, and local service—will offer something social media giants can’t: genuine neighbor-to-neighbor engagement.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | May 27, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona lawmakers have passed new legislation aimed at bolstering support for maternal mental health, particularly for women experiencing postpartum depression. The bill, HB 2332, was signed into law this month and is set to expand education and improve access to care across the state, with a particular focus on rural and underserved communities.
Sponsored by Rep. Julie Willoughby (R-LD13), who also serves as House Majority Whip, the measure directs the Arizona Department of Health Services to create and distribute educational materials on maternal mental health. These resources will be made available to both healthcare providers and patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The new law also establishes a Maternal Health Advisory Committee, tasked with identifying and addressing barriers to care in regions where access to OB-GYN and mental health services is limited. The committee’s findings and recommendations are due by the end of 2026.
“We are standing up for Arizona moms and making sure they’re not left to struggle in silence,” Willoughby said in a statement. “This new law is a win for women, a win for rural Arizona, and a win for every community that values life and health.”
Willoughby, a practicing nurse and mother, has made maternal health a legislative priority. She emphasized that the law is designed to deliver “real help” through clear information and accessible support.
The advisory committee will be composed of a wide range of stakeholders, including OB-GYNs, family physicians, midwives, doulas, and representatives from rural hospitals, tribal health facilities, insurers, and emergency providers.
HB 2332 passed the Arizona Legislature with bipartisan support, aligning with broader efforts in the Republican majority’s policy platform to promote family well-being and rural health access.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
