Althea Caldwell Is the Director of Arizona's Department of Health

question 155

Essay

Althea Caldwell is the director of Arizona's Department of Health Services (DHS). DHS is charged the administration of the state's behavioral health system and is responsible for contracting with private providers for millions of dollars of mental health care each year for eligible patients. Ms. Caldwell accepted a $20,000 per year director position for a hospital group corporation. One of the hospitals in the group was one to which state contracts for mental health treatment had been awarded. One month after accepting the position, Ms. Caldwell asked the state's attorney general for an opinion as to whether she had a conflict of interest. Does Ms. Caldwell have a conflict of interest?

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Definitions:

Realistic Expectations

Achievable and sensible aspirations or beliefs about future events and outcomes, grounded in practicality.

Encounter

To meet or come across a person or situation, often unexpectedly.

Roommates

Roommates are persons who share a living space such as an apartment or dormitory, but are not related by family or romantic relationships.

Conflicts

Disagreements or disputes between individuals or groups, often arising from differing opinions, goals, or values.