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Governor Katie Hobbs Condemns Costly Federal Court Order on Arizona Corrections Department's Health Care System

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Phoenix, AZ ~ Phoenix, AZ - In response to a federal court order placing the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) health care system into federal receivership, Governor Katie Hobbs issued a statement today expressing her disagreement with the decision. Despite significant investments and reforms made during her tenure, the court has decided to take over the health care system. The department has announced that they will be appealing the order.

Governor Hobbs stated that she strongly disagrees with the court's decision as it overlooks the progress made by ADCRR in recent years. She emphasized that when she took office, the corrections system was in crisis for a decade and her administration has worked tirelessly to turn things around. While acknowledging that progress takes time, Governor Hobbs highlighted the undeniable improvements made in a short amount of time.

Under Director David Thornell's leadership, ADCRR has made historic investments of over $1 billion in prison health care over the past three years. This includes tripling the number of physicians, expanding access to life-saving treatments, appointing the first Women's Service Administrator, and implementing Arizona-specific initiatives such as heat mitigation. Governor Hobbs believes that these are things that federal overseers may not fully understand.

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The governor also pointed out that the court's decision imposes unrealistic demands and timelines without considering the complexity of challenges faced by ADCRR. She highlighted recruiting and hiring difficulties as a significant issue compared to private care providers with highly competitive hiring practices. Governor Hobbs stressed that real and lasting change takes time and her administration is committed to continuing the progress made so far. She firmly believes that continued state investment is the best path forward rather than federal overreach.

Providing background on ADCRR's historic health care investments, it was revealed that over $1.3 billion has been invested in prison health care over the last three years alone. This includes improvements in staffing, infrastructure, and rehabilitation efforts. As of January 2026, ADCRR had over 1,330 health care staff, a 68% increase since the court's 2022 order. However, it was noted that health care is the area of greatest employment demand in Arizona and the department faces more severe workforce shortages compared to the private health care sector.

ADCRR has also expanded its facilities to offer greater care, including the addition of 660 infirmary (IPC), skilled nursing unit (SNU), and inpatient mental health beds. This includes a specialized skilled nursing unit with over $600,000 invested in medical equipment for aging patients. In addition, a dedicated Palliative Care Unit was established in December 2024 to enhance care for patients with dementia and related illnesses.

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The department has also made significant improvements in specialty care services, with a 43% increase in off-site specialty care appointments from FY24 to FY25. Over the past three years, approximately $116.9 million has been invested in treating more than 6,800 patients for Hepatitis C. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services have also been expanded to reach 7,516 patients with a $29.3 million investment.

Governor Hobbs highlighted ADCRR's coordination with community MAT partners to ensure seamless continuity of care upon release. Since 2023, nearly 5,000 inmates have been released while receiving MAT services and close to 80% have remained out of ADCRR custody. In addition, ADCRR made history by appointing their first Women's Services Administrator to provide targeted support for female inmates.

The governor also mentioned that ADCRR has taken Arizona's ongoing heat crisis seriously by issuing an Extreme Heat Strategy every heat season and making critical infrastructure investments to improve overall health.

In conclusion, Governor Hobbs emphasized that her administration has secured additional investments to support ADCRR's systemic improvements over the past three years. She urged everyone to take note of the progress made so far and expressed her commitment to continue working towards improving outcomes for those in the department's care.

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