PHOENIX — Saying the public deserves to know, the state Senate has approved a measure requiring hospitals that get public money to ask patients if they are in this country legally.
Strictly speaking, the proposal by Sen. Wendy Rogers, approved on a 16-13 party-line vote, would not deny care to anyone. The Flagstaff Republican said her Senate Bill 1051 makes answering the question on the patient admission form optional.
There even would be a statement on the form saying that the answer will not affect the patient’s care and the response will not be reported to immigration authorities.
