Who Can See Your Registry Documents
The registry holds sensitive information about your treatment choices. Arizona law treats that information as confidential. It limits who can see it.
Information maintained by the qualifying health information exchange organization pursuant to this article is confidential and shall not be disclosed except as allowed by state or federal law.
A.R.S. § 36-3295(A)Three groups can access your documents. First, the person who submitted them. Second, the person the documents cover (often the same person) and their surrogate. Third, healthcare providers can pull your directives when they treat you.
Emergency Providers Have Access Too
"Health care provider" under this statute includes emergency medical service providers and emergency technicians. This means paramedics who arrive at your home during a crisis can check the registry.
They can see whether you have a POLST, a living will, or other care directives on file.
Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, a health care provider may access the health care directives registry and receive a patient's health care directive documents for the provision of health care services.
A.R.S. § 36-3295(C)The statute also lets the registry share information through health information groups as allowed by A.R.S. 36-3805. If you move to another state, the organization can send your registry data to the new state at your request.
Practical Impact for Families
Many families find that registering directives creates a safety net. If a family member has a sudden medical event, treating providers can access the registry to learn their wishes.
This matters most in emergency situations where a paper copy may not be on hand. The registry ensures your choices reach the people who need them.