The Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS) recognizes the essential role of community-based clinical outreach in addressing unmet medical needs among individuals experiencing homelessness, chronic disease burden, behavioral health conditions, and environmental exposure risks. Such models of care remain integral to reducing avoidable emergency utilization, improving population health outcomes, and supporting system-wide efficiency.

 

MCMS has been actively monitoring developments and in conversations related to the City of Phoenix ordinance and remains engaged with community partners, including Circle the City, the Phoenix City Council, and other stakeholder organizations. Since December 16, 2025, by an 8–1 vote with initial implementation planned for March 30, 2026, followed by a subsequent stay period for public comment through May, and most recently a 6–3 decision authorizing implementation on June 5, we have continued to evaluate potential implications for access to care and physician volunteer activity in nontraditional settings.

 

MCMS remains focused on reducing unintended consequences that may deter or subject physicians to legal risk from providing voluntary services in community environments, while also supporting appropriate safeguards that preserve professional standards, clinical integrity, and laws. These efforts are grounded in the broader objective of ensuring that regulatory frameworks do not inadvertently hinder care delivery to unsheltered populations or exacerbate demand on emergency department systems.

 

From a health systems perspective, street medicine and outreach-based care contribute to reducing downstream utilization, limiting transmission of communicable disease, and improving continuity for medically complex, underserved populations. MCMS continues to advocate for collaborative approaches that align municipal policy with evidence-based healthcare delivery models.

 

We appreciate Circle the City’s ongoing efforts and commitment to patient-centered care and their partnership in addressing these complex and evolving challenges. MCMS remains available to support continued dialogue among physicians, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to ensure balanced, effective, and clinically informed solutions.

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Please click below to read Circle the City's CEO, Kim Despres, DHA, RN's announcement.