[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6300703,"mediaKeyId","2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57","parentId",2492746,"title","Panel backs expanded oversight, ombudsman and board for youth congregate-care programs","audioSeconds",2041,"startMs",28000,"endMs",2069000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57&start=28&end=2069","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57/thumbnail_28000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300703/Utah/Panel-backs-expanded-oversight-ombudsman-and-board-for-youth-congregate-care-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300703-423bd4691c89d25eda4d5fd9e9377c7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445378&Signature=TGkHmWL0vepVoaVy~7U14aA4Au7x0vX9fckz9meQ-LRJTvDqmDqfy38XPrv5SHRW7vn1lu8bCHBxrVqGUxw2qlMvYtU2GLNF1hh66izkbnlGLXnVnVNLjZzNC0kyVsQXyLDcHN95p-Mkt15YzAFqjkryElZA9gsg2sWgKcCjoRf-TezmRPObyZbX-k9f1mgQ2QxngLEv9mFU9CxOrfbPna-Zv0UrdSDVMkaDV5HKLkC~AAdlLGLXBWo3F4KVOT-A0by73W24s8JSdpMs2raUpAzvPjlMtnGRlrVm716Si82gzwnJBi8xupEHczQx8yyML2NDHQC~RQmnNpDRyifW4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","The House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday adopted the fifth substitute for SB 297 and voted to favorably recommend the measure to the full House, a set of changes sponsor Senator McCall said will tighten oversight of youth congregate‑care programs.

The bill, as described by Senator McCall, creates an advisory board to help licensing set admission, treatment and suicide‑prevention standards, establishes an ombudsman for families and guardians to report concerns, and adds provisions to clarify when a program must treat an event as a “critical incident.” The fifth substitute also adds language about supervision of staff under investigation and billing and privacy rules tied to covered services.

The changes respond to concerns from hospitals, providers and advocates that Utah’s hospitals are sometimes left caring for behaviorally complex out‑of‑state patients for extended periods. Amanda Chaudhary, hospital president of Primary Children’s Taylorsville, told the committee Primary Children’s took care of an out‑of‑state patient who “was literally stuck occupying a bed for 147 days,” and that the hospital’s average pediatric behavioral health stay is seven days. “That means we delayed or denied care for 22 Utah kids during the time the one out‑of‑state patient lived with us,” Chaudhary said.

Sponsor remarks and the substitute text make three specific operational changes: (1) staff under investigation at one facility must be supervised if hired elsewhere until an investigation clears, (2) a transport‑related problem counts as a program critical incident only if the program knew of the problem (including force, coercion or deception) and failed to report it, and (3) facilities may provide a telephone for an ombudsman but need not place it in an unsupervised common area to prevent misuse.

Senator McCall told the committee the advisory board will include medical and mental‑health professionals (a pediatrician with behavioral health experience, a psychiatrist, psychologists and therapists) and said the board will advise licensing on standards. The bill also includes HIPAA‑related language about what patient information facilities may access when billing for services.

Families and survivors spoke in support. Katie Silvers, who said her 17‑year‑old son Baruch died while in a residential treatment facility in Utah, urged passage: “My son is dead. His siblings will never see their little brother again,” she told the committee. Silvers said staff had documented that her son told a psychiatrist he planned to hang himself, but that information was not shared with his parents and was not acted on in a way that, she said, would have prevented his death.

Caroline Lawson, strategic advocacy lead for 11:11 Media Impact, described SB 297 as “the next step” after earlier legislation and urged the committee to support commonsense protections for children in care.

Representative Clancy moved to adopt the fifth substitute and, after that motion passed, moved that the committee favorably recommend SB 297 (fifth substitute) to the House floor; both motions passed by voice vote.

Committee members and industry representatives also discussed a separate bill, SB 240 (second substitute), that the committee favorably recommended. That measure, described by Senator Owens as a due‑process bill developed in collaboration with the industry and the Office of Licensing, narrows timelines for background checks, clarifies procedures when licensing issues arise (including follow‑up inspections), and protects a facility’s right to appeal without being automatically penalized while an appeal is pending.

The committee’s actions send both measures to the next stage of floor consideration.

Ending — The committee allowed members of the public time for comment and heard multiple survivors and industry representatives before returning to and approving the sponsor’s motion to advance the bills.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Health and Human Services Committee - March 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday adopted the fifth substitute for SB 297 and voted to favorably recommend the measure to the full House, sponsor Senator McCall said the changes tighten oversight of youth congregate‑care programs.","taxTitle","2025 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",78171,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6300682,"Committee extends newborn enrollment window to 60 days, approves second substitute and amendment",673,4007000,4680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57&start=4007&end=4680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57/thumbnail_4007000.jpg","/articles/6300682/Utah/Committee-extends-newborn-enrollment-window-to-60-days-approves-second-substitute-and-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300682-78dad173392fdf48e1cf8819c79fda2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445378&Signature=ctgDML8LtdNdJJC7iUVNdgvEC75Poq2UsekvILXS0AgcqkSwRu20fdhBM20iJrXkKchMrwNS4ZGwo1MLU2r3MVGd2kAe3ZqTehM4zW-eKlh4g0yFt59GcvyKa6L~ahORmHplHTwSZCIO8Crb~hBZmbIcp-DhbAunvc8MhwRxdEQmvy9V2-iq-wHu1fp4Qa1ZCMALuDzQr8OvdC8SVeBAalD2U4qyCBlN18YgbYLVbdYLAHvdFxPAiWAOkBlHoGUEuOdaUJvb2B9KPaIDYpBxfrLYC4F1v1I8CTEaMxTKckBPuW6sJoVTnAD8CJWkqVIVYgojaJFaynxk-9giGztcwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee adopted the second substitute and amendment 1 to SB 245 and favorably recommended the bill, a measure that extends the window for adding a newborn to employer‑sponsored coverage from 30 days to 60 days under the substitute language discussed.

Senator Wyler said the bill grew out of a constituent case in which a new mother missed the 30‑day deadline after a premature birth and paid roughly $8,000 out of pocket for the child’s hospitalization. Wyler said he supported the second substitute and asked House floor sponsors to make any additional technical changes as needed.

Representatives and witnesses noted the change narrows the bill from broader notice requirements to a more focused extension of the enrollment window. A representative of insurance professionals told the committee the association supports the second substitute. A public commenter who works in the industry said 60 days would help families and that 90 days would be even better, but supported the compromise.

The committee adopted the second substitute and an amendment and then voted to forward the bill with a favorable recommendation to the House floor.

Ending — Sponsor and committee members said the revised measure is a practical fix they expect to support on the floor; the committee advanced the bill with a favorable recommendation.","The committee adopted a second substitute and an amendment to SB 245 that extends the insurance enrollment window for newborns from 30 to 60 days in the circumstances described and forwarded the bill with a favorable recommendation after sponsor and industry input.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6300687,"Committee approves registration for healthcare staffing platforms to verify clinician licenses",449,3505000,3954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57&start=3505&end=3954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57/thumbnail_3505000.jpg","/articles/6300687/Utah/Committee-approves-registration-for-healthcare-staffing-platforms-to-verify-clinician-licenses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300687-195f2c4e08ca6ff0b6aaf35afac36ef6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445378&Signature=I-XpA8G9ZxXu~UlJoJvQMpDli4UsAJ3yCnvFGKBOCWvu0twNB-~mr5O6VMY7gLjm8x6cx7SgPg-lMyErofVMFni8N4jMUhyisOIFOP6THK0AAROVlt7UuWF9SojmhMLyeY9PCZe8ag-EFKfp2QD~wZy1MJUW1qR5UF2JB~UX-Q0eWuLPPjFea9fbLKZtjkQTE2MrrdXGovc6pUCbxo7Qy4pgouv3uMRIYmSwiTc0Et2SWOXAFRVPtpfA7PqWzj9sGPgjxmBIvYTZIo3iovf-uqopLuvHA8iWJQH6Fa2Oi96BDSvMy-9zrKEiswXC90dLqRf7SqQ2ZFpa~I9ovX6N8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted to favorably recommend SB 228 (first substitute), a measure that requires technology platforms that connect health professionals with facilities for short‑term shifts to register with the Department of Commerce and to provide assurances that clinicians presented on the platform hold the required state licenses.

Senator Fillmore, who presented the bill, described the measure as a “light‑touch” approach that protects patients while allowing clinicians to offer services independently through marketplace platforms. The sponsor said platforms would provide a business address, contact information and verifications such as license checks and background checks; facilities would still be able to specify training and compliance requirements when posting shifts.

Representatives of platform companies and the Healthcare Marketplace Coalition spoke in favor, saying the bill preserves new technology while ensuring basic checks (license, background) and enabling facilities to list shift‑specific training requirements.

Representative Hall moved that the committee recommend the substitute and the motion passed by voice vote. The committee advanced the bill to the House floor.

Ending — The committee forwarded SB 228 (substitute 1) with a favorable recommendation; supporters praised the bill as balancing safety and innovation.","SB 228 (substitute 1) would require online platforms that match clinicians and facilities to register with the Department of Commerce and verify practitioner licensing; the committee favorably recommended the substitute after proponents said it protects patients while preserving independent clinician options.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6300692,"Committee advances bill to require insurers to report preauthorization outcomes and reasons",480,2371000,2851000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57&start=2371&end=2851","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57/thumbnail_2371000.jpg","/articles/6300692/Utah/Committee-advances-bill-to-require-insurers-to-report-preauthorization-outcomes-and-reasons","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300692-d2321cca7841069932187ac26c727283/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445378&Signature=WmPZcaQSvcW4p~mO9pCkku1qtQtWuSFUQSby8knvFcJqrlfFKTYJBRO~XeqUORjqbQ23paIkZfaOpx0lu~4pfybBPqTqr9jgsmUHS40OLn7B3E9UdSlNr9pSf2D0xNmYHJ0QvCcx4ZDBUSkg6w4josSbMyg6Gohq93iidxPt0MvW7pBZBP0FglP2muzK~GvbDB7SYxtdrHfaymOlvJKwT-lV0~WJpO-dcf-6yg1CNGvpZ7ME3N06lnDg2P2OU2h6GOK3fBIhxG4z1bnmcLCX~CQFkChigik1R-U5kv5FjRBkrkxTa~h4Lu7B9QHiByRwrHRpxp6nlwu2nUtRw7ZdxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Health and Human Services Committee voted to favorably recommend SB 274, a bill requiring health insurers to report annually the percentage of preauthorization requests that were approved, denied and approved after appeal, and to provide detailed denial explanations to patients.

Sponsor Senator Johnson said the measure was brought to him by a constituent whose son — who uses a wheelchair — was denied a replacement chair after a preauthorization denial, and that transparency would encourage insurers to provide clearer reasons for denials. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant,” the sponsor told the committee.

Under the substitute discussed in committee, an insurer must also explain the specific information missing when a request is denied for lack of documentation, and provide instructions on how to appeal. Representative Ward asked whether the reporting requirement should have a sunset review so the committee can reassess whether the data are useful; Senator Johnson said he would be open to a sunset provision and that House sponsor Representative Hall was preparing a substitute.

Committee members also discussed funding for the reporting requirement; Senator Johnson said he had made the reporting requirement a priority for available senate funds and expected it to be low‑cost.

Ending — The committee voted to favorably recommend SB 274 to the House floor.
","SB 274 would require insurers to publish annual counts of preauthorization approvals, denials and approvals on appeal and to explain denials to patients; the committee favorably recommended the bill after sponsor said transparency should change insurer behavior.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6300698,"Committee adopts amendment, advances pharmacy bill expanding pharmacist authority and charitable drug program",244,2087000,2331000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57&start=2087&end=2331","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492746-242fde71cb5fceff49d5520265f4fc57/thumbnail_2087000.jpg","/articles/6300698/Utah/Committee-adopts-amendment-advances-pharmacy-bill-expanding-pharmacist-authority-and-charitable-drug-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300698-d3cd53ce60f5c98cd1a1be97d8cddd35/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445378&Signature=EvsJ05Qa~B-ESmU9r8U3jS8c1u~zIH~dz2C3WBe1uaKy-VclT3wjmxBVaax8g0zPQQTDVY8amJwa9kNW4hwlTncYzZStkfCWrEYSI4dZBIHEponepCoki0df7X-KtvZyFlzphxuVubrctB1w--p93N4kE44aWLO1pDAr81IfsQOV2vFwDGM629VbQIuzqMoxHMwEu6H1Qt61Mj4inFDifYkxesgUMIclIjuDqTsO9wRVdycSjYg7Wxf0QDpSY3D4zCFzJvvoian3h3tfEsAhHS-RkyMFYeU3KaWLE3LfBMA6qo9p2coT~UNwfcpuCuwb1H5hGPEzr1mkxxpI466v1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday adopted House Amendment 1 to SB 312 and voted to favorably recommend the bill (first substitute, as amended) to the House floor.

Senator Vickers, who presented the bill, said SB 312 widens a narrow “provider‑status” window for pharmacists in limited prescribing areas, clarifies pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) audit procedures by requiring both prescription and date ranges in audit requests, and expands a charitable prescription drug program to allow institutional (class B) pharmacies such as hospital pharmacies to participate.

On audits, Vickers said the substitute tightens what a PBM can request by making clear that both a particular script range and a date range should be provided when a pharmacy is audited, narrowing the scope of retrospective reviews.

The committee adopted the chair’s amendment, House Amendment 1, on a voice vote and then approved a motion to favorably recommend SB 312 (first substitute as amended) to the House floor. No members recorded a roll‑call vote in the committee transcript.

Ending — Sponsor Vickers waived further discussion after the committee vote and the bill was forwarded with a favorable recommendation.","The committee adopted House Amendment 1 to SB 312 and favorably recommended the first substitute as amended. The bill clarifies pharmacist prescribing windows, tightens PBM audit requests and expands the state charitable prescription program to include institutional (class B) pharmacies.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Panel backs expanded oversight, ombudsman and board for youth congregate-care programs

Committee extends newborn enrollment window to 60 days, approves second substitute and amendment

Committee approves registration for healthcare staffing platforms to verify clinician licenses

Committee advances bill to require insurers to report preauthorization outcomes and reasons

Committee adopts amendment, advances pharmacy bill expanding pharmacist authority and charitable drug program