Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 81 (2025GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Gricius, Stephanie

Final action

Governor Signed 3/27/2025

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• defines terms;
• prohibits adding fluoride to public water systems;
• allows a pharmacist to prescribe fluoride; and
• directs the Division of Professional Licensing to establish guidelines for prescribing fluoride.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

14
19-4-111
19-4-111.1
19-4-111.2
58-17b-627
0
Fluoride Amendments
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Stephanie Gricius
Senate Sponsor: Kirk A. Cullimore
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill addresses provisions related to water fluoridation and prescription fluoride 
supplements.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
defines terms;
prohibits adding fluoride to public water systems;
allows a pharmacist to prescribe fluoride; and
directs the Division of Professional Licensing to establish guidelines for prescribing 
fluoride.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
58-17b-627
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 255
REPEALS AND REENACTS:
19-4-111
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 16
REPEALS:
19-4-111.1
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 321
19-4-111.2
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 321
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1, Section 
19-4-111
 is repealed and re-enacted to read:
19-4-111
. Prohibition of fluoride in public water systems.
(1)
As used in this section, "fluoride" means a chemical compound that contains the 
fluoride ion and is used to fluoridate drinking water, including:
(a)
fluorosilicic acid;
(b)
sodium fluorosilicate; or
(c)
sodium fluoride.
(2)
A person may not add fluoride to water in, or water that will be introduced into, a public 
water system.
(3)
A political subdivision may not enact or enforce an ordinance that requires or permits 
the addition of fluoride to water in, or water that will be introduced into, a public water 
system.
Section 2, Section 
58-17b-627
 is amended to read:
58-17b-627
. Prescription of drugs or devices by a pharmacist.
(1)
Beginning January 1, 2022, a pharmacist may prescribe a prescription drug or device if:
(a)
prescribing the prescription drug or device is within the scope of the pharmacist's 
training and experience;
(b)
the prescription drug or device is designated by the division by rule under Subsection 
(3)(a)
; and
(c)
the prescription drug or device is not a controlled substance that is included in 
Schedules I, II, III, or IV of:
(i)
Section 
58-37-4
; or
(ii)
the federal Controlled Substances Act, Title II, P.L. 91-513.
(2)
Nothing in this section requires a pharmacist to issue a prescription for a prescription 
drug or device.
(3)
The division shall make rules in accordance with 
Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah 
Administrative Rulemaking Act
, to:
(a)
designate the prescription drugs or devices that may be prescribed by a pharmacist 
under this section, beginning with prescription drugs or devices that address a public 
health concern that is designated by the Department of Health and Human Services, 
including:
(i)
post-exposure HIV prophylaxis;
(ii)
pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis;
(iii)
self-administered hormonal contraceptives;
(iv)
smoking cessation;
 and
(v)
naloxone;
 and
(vi)
fluoride;
(b)
create guidelines that a pharmacist must follow when prescribing a prescription drug 
or device, including guidelines:
(i)
for notifying the patient's primary care or other health care provider about the 
prescription; and
(ii)
to prevent the over-prescription of drugs or devices including but not limited to 
antibiotics;
(c)
address when a pharmacist should refer the patient to an appropriate health care 
provider or otherwise encourage the patient to seek further medical care; and
(d)
implement the provisions of this section.
(4)
The division shall make rules under Subsection 
(3)
 in collaboration with:
(a)
individuals representing pharmacies and pharmacists;
(b)
individuals representing physicians and advanced practice clinicians; and
(c)
(i)
if the executive director of the Department of Health and Human Services is a 
physician, the executive director of the Department of Health and Human Services;
(ii)
if the executive director of the Department of Health and Human Services is not a 
physician, a deputy director who is a physician in accordance with Subsection 
26B-1-203(4)
; or
(iii)
a designee of the individual described in Section 
26B-1-203
.
(5)
Before November 1 of each year, the division, in consultation with the individuals 
described in Subsection 
(4)
, shall:
(a)
develop recommendations for statutory changes to improve patient access to 
prescribed drugs in the state; and
(b)
report the recommendations developed under Subsection 
(5)(a)
 to the Health and 
Human Services Interim Committee.
Section 3, 
Repealer.
Provision of fluoridated water -- Request of resident.
Provision of fluoridated water -- Emergency circumstances.
Section 4. 
Effective Date.
This bill takes effect on 
May 7, 2025
.
3-6-25 2:51 PM