State officials say an increasingly common scam occuring in Arizona involves facilities that brand themselves as sober living facilities but do not offer people any actual help. Many Native Americans in Arizona have been targeted by the homes, and those who go into these homes sometimes end up losing contact with loved ones while there, according to lawmakers.
Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, D-Tuba City, said that Senate Bill 1655 is comprehensive and intended to make sure that those who are running the unlicensed homes are held accountable. In addition, the bill proposes increased communication between the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the Attorney General's office, the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Arizona Corporation Commission to make sure that people do not get away with the scam repeatedly, according to the Senate engrossed version of the bill.
