During the Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee meeting on August 18, 2025, significant discussions centered around the Department of Health Services (DHS) and its regulatory practices, particularly concerning behavioral health facilities and sober living homes.

A key focus was on the ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice (DOJ) related to access and potential fraud within the system. Officials confirmed that while there are pending cases, they could not disclose specific details due to ongoing litigation. However, they clarified that there are currently no known DOJ investigations into the agency as a whole.

Tom Salo, an assistant director at DHS, provided an overview of the department's licensing division, highlighting the regulation of approximately 132,000 individual licensees and 21,000 facilities. He emphasized the department's commitment to improving processes, including the implementation of an electronic licensing system that has significantly reduced application processing times from 124 days to just 25 days.

Salo also addressed the challenges faced by sober living homes, noting that only 300 are currently licensed, with only half accredited. New legislation set to take effect next month will expand the definition of sober living homes and increase penalties for non-compliance, aiming to enhance oversight and ensure that these facilities meet necessary standards.

The meeting also revealed concerns about staffing disparities, particularly in Tucson, where providers have experienced inconsistent survey practices. DHS officials acknowledged the need for better geographic coverage and indicated that they have compliance officers stationed in Tucson, though the majority of staff are based in Phoenix.

In response to rising complaints and enforcement actions, Salo outlined the department's proactive measures, including the introduction of 60-day touchpoints for facilities to ensure compliance before issues escalate. This approach aims to foster a collaborative environment between the department and providers, focusing on technical assistance rather than punitive measures.

Overall, the meeting underscored the DHS's ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory practices, improve transparency, and address the challenges faced by behavioral health facilities and sober living homes in Arizona. As the department continues to adapt to evolving needs, stakeholders can expect further developments aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.