ARIZONA NEWS

AARP Arizona wants names of long-term care facilities with coronavirus

Apr 13, 2020, 3:00 PM

PHOENIX – An advocacy group for older Arizonans is calling on the state to reveal which long-term care facilities have seen positive tests for the coronavirus.

Dana Marie Kennedy, director of AARP Arizona, sent a letter to Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday saying families have become “desperate to know” if their loved ones are in facilities where COVID-19 has been documented.

“We ask that the state make the names of these facilities available to the public,” the letter says.

“While it is understandable that we should be cautious regarding privacy concerns, AARP suggests that HIPAA is specific to the privacy of the individual and does not apply to facilities.”

HIPAA is the federal law regulating the use of health care information, including privacy protections.

On Sunday, Maricopa County Public Health reported that metro Phoenix long-term care facilities (skilled nursing, assisted living, rehabilitation and hospice facilities) had 169 coronavirus cases, with 32% needing hospitalization and 14% dying.

On Monday, the county said people ages 65 or older or with at least one chronic health condition have accounted for 70% of the Phoenix area’s hospitalizations and 96% of the deaths.

Statewide, 3,702 people have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Monday morning and 122 people had died.

In addition to the request for more reporting, Kennedy’s letter praised Ducey for other actions he’s taken in response to the coronavirus outbreak, such as including requiring assisted living facilities to accommodate virtual visitation in an April 7 executive order.

The Arizona chapter of AARP, whose membership is available to Americans age 50 and older, has more than 900,000 members, according to Kennedy’s letter.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Mesa mayor election 2024 Mark Freeman...

Serena O'Sullivan

Mesa Mayor-elect outlines details of water sustainability plans

The winner of the 2024 Mesa mayor election, Mark Freeman, said his extensive experience on water policy will help him in his future role.

20 minutes ago

Keep an eye out for piggy banks hidden by Frontier Airlines in downtown Phoenix....

Kevin Stone

Frontier Airlines hides piggy banks containing flight vouchers in downtown Phoenix

Frontier Airlines is conducting a treasure hunt in downtown Phoenix on Wednesday, with free flights up for grabs.

2 hours ago

Judge Bruce Cohen presides during a pre-trial hearing Aug. 27, 2024, during Arizona's fake electors...

Associated Press

Judge recuses himself in Arizona’s fake electors case after email surfaces

A judge recused himself Tuesday from presiding over Arizona’s fake electors case after an email surfaced in which he told fellow judges to speak out against attacks Kamala Harris’ campaign.

3 hours ago

automatic recount arizona election law...

Kevin Stone

Here’s what you need to know about Arizona’s automatic recount law

Although it took almost a week for Arizona's U.S. Senate race to be called, it doesn't meet the requirement for an automatic recount.

4 hours ago

The Grand Canyon Railway received federal funding to convert a diesel locomotive to battery power....

Kevin Stone

Grand Canyon Railway gets funding to convert locomotive to battery power

The Grand Canyon Railway in northern Arizona is on track to go greener thanks to a federal grant to convert a locomotive to battery power.

4 hours ago

Amazing Arizonans...

Mike Broomhead

Amazing Arizonans: Michael Zistatsis discusses escape from communism, living American Dream

PHOENIX — The American dream is alive and well. A perfect example of that is in the story from our guest on this episode of Amazing Arizonans. Michael Zistatsis owns two successful restaurants and a successful catering business. Michael came to America and started working at Christo’s as a busboy, eventually working his way up […]

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Morris Hall

West Hunsaker, through Morris Hall, supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR’s Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

It wouldn’t hurt to get your AC checked after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

A well-maintained air conditioning unit is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat in Arizona.

...

Dr. Shanyn Lancaster, Family & Sports Medicine physician, Midwestern University Comprehensive Care Clinic – Central Phoenix

Exercise is truly your best medicine

“You never slow down, you never grow old”. – Tom Petty

AARP Arizona wants names of long-term care facilities with coronavirus