The Utah legislative session concluded on March 5^th. March 25^th is the last day Governor Cox may sign or veto bills, and all bills passed and implemented will take effect on May 5^th, 2021. Here are how the mental health-related bills performed this session:

SB 28 – Physician Assistant Mental Health Practice – PASSED: This bill gives PAs the opportunity to take additional coursework and specialize in psychiatric mental health and allows "Psychiatric PAs" to be added to the mental health practice act, giving them the opportunity to be reimbursed by insurance for mental health services. It also allows Psychiatric PAs to practice independently without being connected to a supervising doctor. 

HB 81 – Mental Health Days for Students – PASSED: This bill added mental or behavioral health as a valid excuse for a school absence.

HB 93 – Youth Suicide Prevention Program Amendments – PASSED: This bill amended provisions related to youth suicide prevention programs including: Requires school districts and charter schools to ensure coordination between youth suicide prevention programs and other prevention programs, and repeals a separate program to consolidate funding and effort into one comprehensive suicide prevention program.

HB 130 – Mental Health Coverage Amendments – DID NOT PASS: This bill would have prohibited a health insurer from offering a health benefit plan in which a single class of benefits (i.e. mental health or substance use) is not offered or offered at a reduced rate.

SB 41 – Mental Health Access Amendments – PASSED: This bill allows a diagnosis or treatment of a mental health condition to be done via telehealth services.

If you are interested in getting more involved with the legislative committee or learning more about ongoing projects please email lppc@umhca.org.