Senate Republicans Advance Medical Freedom Package Demanding Transparency in Patient Care, Infant Death Investigations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 17, 2026

PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Senate Republicans are taking decisive action to strengthen patient rights and restore trust in healthcare by advancing a slate of medical freedom legislation to deliver clear, enforceable standards for transparency, accountability, and informed consent in medical settings. The legislation sponsored by Former Majority Leader Janae Shamp passed the Senate with only republican support today and heads to the House for further consideration.

SB 1011 requires a county medical examiner or forensic pathologist to review the infant's vaccination history, ensuring greater scrutiny in cases of sudden and unexplained infant death.

SB 1017 strengthens patient protections by requiring, except in an emergency, that informed consent for surgical procedures be obtained directly by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The bill further includes dated signatures from the patient, witness, and the healthcare provider performing the procedure, ensuring clarity and accountability at every step.

SB 1557 reinforces the foundational principle of patient autonomy by requiring healthcare professionals to obtain signed informed consent prior to any medical intervention, with documentation retained in the patient's medical record. Exceptions are made only in cases of emergency medical care or when flexibility is necessary to save a life.

"As a BSN/RN and former perioperative nurse manager, I have witnessed firsthand the gaps in communication, the inconsistencies in consent, and the real-life consequences patients and families face when transparency is lacking in medical settings," said Senator Shamp. "But beyond the operating room, I've also seen the heartbreak families experience when an infant dies suddenly without clear answers. In those moments, every factor deserves careful review and should not be ignored or dismissed. These bills are not theoretical – they address real situations happening every day in operating rooms and hospitals across our country. This legislation restores a standard of care that respects both patients and professionals, ensuring individuals are fully informed and empowered in their healthcare decisions while receiving the comprehensive information they deserve. We need a healthcare system that prioritizes people over politics, and I will continue to fight until this becomes a reality."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov