Legislative Updates Affecting Utah's Healthcare System in 2023

A legislative proposal by Rep. Steve Eliason aims to adjust Medicaid expansion in the event of decreased federal funding, tasking Utah’s Department of Health & Human Services with developing a contingency plan. Another bill concerning mental health services mandates updated provider directories and allows patients to transition between in-network and out-of-network providers during crises, which successfully passed in the legislature.

Despite Rep. Trevor Lee's efforts, the initiative to allow over-the-counter sales of ivermectin did not advance past a House committee. Sen. Jen Plumb successfully advocated for legislation to educate new parents on the benefits of Vitamin K, while Senate Minority Whip Karen Kwan propelled a bill to increase awareness of sleep disorders.

New legislation permits healthcare facilities to distribute unused medications to patients in need. However, a proposal to prevent Medicaid funds from reaching abortion providers did not receive a hearing. Sen. Keven Stratton's bill allows healthcare providers to decline procedures based on religious beliefs, contingent upon alternative availability. Additionally, Senate Majority Whip Chris Wilson's measure provides access to experimental drugs for patients with life-threatening conditions.

Sen. Evan Vickers introduced a bill requiring notification to individuals when their tissue may be used for stem cell research. A bill demanding more notifications by residential treatment facilities passed the entire legislature but failed a House concurrence vote. Meanwhile, an initiative by Rep. Jake Sawyer to ban electroshock therapy on minors was introduced but not heard.

Legislation passed enables organs donation information dissemination at state facilities and during hunting or fishing license applications. A proposal permitting patients to supply their own blood for surgery cleared the House but stalled in a Senate committee. Healthcare providers are now required to increase reporting on unprofessional conduct due to recent legislative action.

Rep. Tyler Clancy succeeded in advancing a bill addressing drug addiction with "recovery" pods in jails and prohibiting needle exchanges in parks. Meanwhile, Sen. Jen Plumb ensured protections for distributing expired Naloxone. Legislation guaranteeing parents' access to children's medical records has also been approved.

The cost of cigarettes in Utah is set to rise following the passage of a bill increasing nicotine taxes to 11 cents per cigarette. Although the proposed allocation of nicotine tax funds for homeless services did not pass, online sales of cigars and pipe tobacco are now permitted. Hospitals must track workplace violence instances due to a new law.

Rep. Logan Monson's bill allows rural hospitals to assist in repaying medical school loans for doctors who commit to working there. Dental hygienists are authorized to practice independently in hospitals under new regulation. Legislation introduced by Rep. Sahara Hayes permits more affordable patient transport between healthcare facilities. Thanks to a bill by Rep. Christine Watkins, mobile mammograms will now receive health insurance coverage.

Although Sen. Nate Blouin proposed a single-payer healthcare system, the proposal did not advance. Additionally, a bill requiring the presentation of ultrasound videos in classrooms, which initially passed by the House, did not progress in the Senate. Rep. Karianne Lisonbee's measure to differentiate elective abortions from medically necessary ones for medical records also did not clear the Senate.