Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 349 (2025GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Owens, Doug

Final action

House/ filed 3/7/2025

Outcome

Failed / filed without passage

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• requires or encourages information about the option and process to register as an organ donor, to be provided in connection with or in certain circumstances related to:
• the Division of Wildlife Resources' website;
• intake at a health care facility; and
• individual income tax instructions booklets and the State Tax Commission's website;
• requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a coalition of life-saving programs and create a comprehensive plan for communicating about those programs through state-owned channels; and
• makes technical and conforming changes.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

25
23A-4-202
53B-1-111
53G-10-402
53G-10-502
58-9-701
59-10-103.1
63G-1-401
63G-6a-122
75A-3-207
Organ Donation Amendments
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Doug Owens
Senate Sponsor: 
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill addresses public awareness of organ donation.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
requires information about the option to register as an organ donor, and instructions for 
accessing a donor registry, to be provided in connection with:
a license, permit, or certificate of registration to be used for hunting, fishing, trapping, 
seining, or dealing in furs;
health curriculum;
driver education;
a preneed funeral arrangement contract;
individual income tax booklets;
procurement contracts; and
health care directives;
designates the third full week of April as Organ Donor Awareness Week; and
makes technical and conforming changes.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
23A-4-202
, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 103
53B-1-111
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 328
53G-10-402
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapters 20, 507
53G-10-502
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 247
58-9-701
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 30
59-10-103.1
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 258
63G-1-401
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 377
75A-3-207
, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 364
ENACTS:
63G-6a-122
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1, Section 
23A-4-202
 is amended to read:
23A-4-202. License, permit, and certificate forms prescribed by Wildlife Board.
(1)
(a)
The
Subject to Subsection 
(1)(b)
, the
 Wildlife Board shall prescribe the form of a 
license, permit, or certificate of registration to be used for hunting, fishing, trapping, 
seining, and dealing in furs.
(b)
The Wildlife Board shall require that a license, permit, or certificate of registration to 
be used for hunting, fishing, trapping, seining, or dealing in furs include, on the 
license, permit, or certification or in paper-based or electronic materials that are 
provided contemporaneously with the license, permit, or certification, information 
about the option to register as a donor, as that term is defined in Section 
26B-8-301
, 
and instructions for accessing a donor registry established under Section 
26B-8-319
.
(2)
A license, permit, or certificate of registration may be paper-based or in electronic 
format pursuant to the rules made by the Wildlife Board in accordance with 
Title 63G, 
Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act
.
(3)
A license issued pursuant to Section 
23A-4-305
 shall be designated as such by a code 
number and may not contain a reference to the licensee's disability.
Section 2, Section 
53B-1-111
 is amended to read:
53B-1-111. Organ donation notification.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Donor" means the same as that term is defined in Section 
26B-4-137
26B-8-301
.
(b)
"Donor registry" means the same as that term is defined in Section 
26B-4-137
26B-8-301
.
(c)
"Institution of higher education" means an institution as described in Section 
53B-3-102
.
(2)
(a)
An institution of higher education shall distribute, twice each academic year to 
each enrolled student:
(i)
an electronic message notifying each student of the option to register as a donor by 
selecting the Internet link described in Subsection 
(2)(a)(ii)
; and
(ii)
through the electronic message described in Subsection 
(2)(a)(i)
 an Internet link 
to a website for a donor registry established under Section 
26B-8-319
.
(b)
An institution of higher education may also provide to students information on donor 
registry by other electronic, printed, or in-person means.
Section 3, Section 
53G-10-402
 is amended to read:
53G-10-402. Instruction in health -- Parental consent requirements -- Conduct 
and speech of school employees and volunteers -- Political and religious doctrine 
prohibited.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"LEA governing board" means a local school board or charter school governing 
board.
(b)
"Refusal skills" means instruction:
(i)
in a student's ability to clearly and expressly refuse sexual advances by a minor or 
adult;
(ii)
in a student's obligation to stop the student's sexual advances if refused by another 
individual;
(iii)
informing a student of the student's right to report and seek counseling for 
unwanted sexual advances;
(iv)
in sexual harassment; and
(v)
informing a student that a student may not consent to criminally prohibited 
activities or activities for which the student is legally prohibited from giving 
consent, including the electronic transmission of sexually explicit images by an 
individual of the individual or another.
(2)
(a)
The state board shall establish curriculum requirements under Section 
53E-3-501
that include instruction in:
(i)
community and personal health;
(ii)
physiology;
(iii)
personal hygiene;
(iv)
prevention of communicable disease;
(v)
refusal skills;
 and
(vi)
the harmful effects of pornography
.
; and
(vii)
organ and tissue donation.
(b)
In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the 
state board shall make rules that
, and instruction shall
:
(i)
require instruction to 
stress the importance of abstinence from all sexual activity 
before marriage and fidelity after marriage as methods for preventing certain 
communicable diseases;
(ii)
require instruction to 
stress personal skills that encourage individual choice of 
abstinence and fidelity;
(iii)
prohibit instruction in:
(A)
the intricacies of intercourse, sexual stimulation, or erotic behavior;
(B)
the advocacy of premarital or extramarital sexual activity; or
(C)
the advocacy or encouragement of the use of contraceptive methods or 
devices;
 and
(iv)
except as provided in Subsection (2)(d), allow instruction to include information 
about contraceptive methods or devices that stresses effectiveness, limitations, 
risks, and information on state law applicable to minors obtaining contraceptive 
methods or devices
.
; and
(v)
require instruction to include information about the option to register as a donor, 
as that term is defined in Section 
26B-8-301
, and instructions for accessing a 
donor registry established under Section 
26B-8-319
.
(c)
In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the 
state board shall make rules for an LEA governing board that adopts instructional 
materials under Subsection (2)(g)(ii) that:
(i)
require the LEA governing board to report on the materials selected and the LEA 
governing board's compliance with Subsection (2)(h); and
(ii)
provide for an appeal and review process of the LEA governing board's adoption 
of instructional materials.
(d)
The state board may not require an LEA to teach or adopt instructional materials that 
include information on contraceptive methods or devices.
(e)
(i)
At no time may instruction be provided, including responses to spontaneous 
questions raised by students, regarding any means or methods that facilitate or 
encourage the violation of any state or federal criminal law by a minor or an adult.
(ii)
Subsection (2)(e)(i) does not preclude an instructor from responding to a 
spontaneous question as long as the response is consistent with the provisions of 
this section.
(f)
The state board shall recommend instructional materials for use in the curricula 
required under Subsection (2)(a).
(g)
An LEA governing board may choose to adopt:
(i)
the instructional materials recommended under Subsection (2)(f); or
(ii)
other instructional materials in accordance with Subsection (2)(h).
(h)
An LEA governing board that adopts instructional materials under Subsection 
(2)(g)(ii) shall:
(i)
ensure that the materials comply with state law and board rules;
(ii)
base the adoption of the materials on the recommendations of the LEA governing 
board's Curriculum Materials Review Committee; 
(iii)
adopt the instructional materials in an open and regular meeting of the LEA 
governing board for which prior notice is given to parents of students who attend 
the respective schools; and 
(iv)
give parents an opportunity to express the parents' views and opinions on the 
materials at the meeting described in Subsection (2)(h)(iii).
(3)
(a)
A student shall receive instruction in the courses described in Subsection (2) on at 
least two occasions during the period that begins with the beginning of grade 8 and 
the end of grade 12.
(b)
At the request of the state board, the Department of Health and Human Services shall 
cooperate with the state board in developing programs to provide instruction in those 
areas.
(4)
(a)
The state board shall adopt rules that:
(i)
provide that the parental consent requirements of Sections 
76-7-322
 and 
76-7-323
are complied with; and
(ii)
require a student's parent to be notified in advance and have an opportunity to 
review the information for which parental consent is required under Sections 
76-7-322
 and 
76-7-323
.
(b)
The state board shall also provide procedures for disciplinary action for violation of 
Section 
76-7-322
 or 
76-7-323
.
(5)
(a)
In keeping with the requirements of Section 
53G-10-204
, and because school 
employees and volunteers serve as examples to students, school employees or 
volunteers acting in an official capacity may not support or encourage criminal 
conduct by students, teachers, or volunteers.
(b)
To ensure the effective performance of school personnel, the limitations described in 
Subsection (5)(a) also apply to a school employee or volunteer acting outside of the 
school employee's or volunteer's official capacity if:
(i)
the employee or volunteer knew or should have known that the employee's or 
volunteer's action could result in a material and substantial interference or 
disruption in the normal activities of the school; and
(ii)
that action does result in a material and substantial interference or disruption in 
the normal activities of the school.
(c)
The state board or an LEA governing board may not allow training of school 
employees or volunteers that support or encourage criminal conduct.
(d)
The state board shall adopt, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah 
Administrative Rulemaking Act, rules implementing this section.
(e)
Nothing in this section limits the ability or authority of the state board or an LEA 
governing board to enact and enforce rules or take actions that are otherwise lawful, 
regarding an educator's, employee's, or volunteer's qualifications or behavior 
evidencing unfitness for duty.
(6)
Except as provided in Section 
53G-10-202
, political, atheistic, sectarian, religious, or 
denominational doctrine may not be taught in the public schools.
(7)
(a)
An LEA governing board and an LEA governing board's employees shall 
cooperate and share responsibility in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
(b)
An LEA governing board shall provide appropriate professional development for the 
LEA governing board's teachers, counselors, and school administrators to enable the 
teachers, counselors, and school administrators to understand, protect, and properly 
instruct students in the values and character traits referred to in this section and 
Sections 
53E-9-202
, 
53E-9-203
, 
53G-10-202
, 
53G-10-203
, 
53G-10-204
, and 
53G-10-205
, and distribute appropriate written materials on the values, character 
traits, and conduct to each individual receiving the professional development.
(c)
An LEA governing board shall make the written materials described in Subsection 
(7)(b) available to classified employees, students, and students' parents.
(d)
In order to assist an LEA governing board in providing the professional development 
required under Subsection (7)(b), the state board shall, as appropriate, contract with a 
qualified individual or entity possessing expertise in the areas referred to in 
Subsection (7)(b) to develop and disseminate model teacher professional 
development programs that an LEA governing board may use to train the individuals 
referred to in Subsection (7)(b) to effectively teach the values and qualities of 
character referenced in Subsection (7)(b).
(e)
In accordance with the provisions of Subsection (5)(c), professional development 
may not support or encourage criminal conduct.
(8)
An LEA governing board shall review every two years:
(a)
LEA governing board policies on instruction described in this section;
(b)
for a local school board, data for each county that the school district is located in, or, 
for a charter school governing board, data for the county in which the charter school 
is located, on the following:
(i)
teen pregnancy;
(ii)
child sexual abuse; and
(iii)
sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections; and
(c)
the number of pornography complaints or other instances reported within the 
jurisdiction of the LEA governing board.
(9)
If any one or more provision, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this 
section, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is found to be 
unconstitutional, the balance of this section shall be given effect without the invalid 
provision, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word.
Section 4, Section 
53G-10-502
 is amended to read:
53G-10-502. Driver education established by a local education agency.
(1)
(a)
A local education agency may establish and maintain driver education for pupils.
(b)
A school or local education agency that provides driver education shall provide an 
opportunity for each pupil enrolled in that school or local education agency to take 
the written test when the pupil is 15 years and nine months 
of age
old
.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 
(1)(b)
, a school or local education 
agency that provides driver education may provide an opportunity for each pupil 
enrolled in that school or local education agency to take the written test when the 
pupil is 15 years 
of age
old
.
(2)
The purpose of driver education is to help develop the knowledge, attitudes, habits, and 
skills necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles.
(3)
In accordance with 
Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act
, the 
state board shall make rules for driver education offered in the public schools.
(4)
The rules under Subsection 
(3)
 shall:
(a)
require at least one hour of classroom training on the subject of railroad crossing 
safety for each driver education pupil;
(b)
require instruction, based on data and information provided by the Division of Air 
Quality, on:
(i)
ways drivers can improve air quality; and
(ii)
the harmful effects of vehicle emissions;
 and
(c)
require at least 30 minutes of instruction on the subject of organ donation, including 
information regarding the option to register as a donor, as that term is defined in 
Section 
26B-8-301
, and instructions for accessing a donor registry established under 
Section 
26B-8-319
; and
(d)
establish minimum standards for approved driving ranges under Section 
53-3-505.5
.
(5)
The requirements of Section 
53-3-505.5
 apply to any behind-the-wheel driving training 
provided as part of driver education offered under this part and used to satisfy the driver 
training requirement under Section 
53-3-204
.
Section 5, Section 
58-9-701
 is amended to read:
58-9-701. Preneed contract requirements.
(1)
(a)
A preneed funeral arrangement sold in Utah shall be evidenced by a written 
contract.
(b)
The funeral service establishment shall maintain a copy of the contract until five 
years after all of the establishment's obligations under the contract have been 
executed.
(c)
At the same time a sales agent or funeral service director provides a written contract 
of a preneed funeral arrangement to a buyer, the sales agent or funeral director shall 
distribute to the buyer a written or electronic message notifying the buyer of the 
option to register as a donor, as that term is defined in Section 
26B-8-301
, and 
providing instructions for accessing a donor registry established under Section 
26B-8-319
.
(2)
The form for a written contract of a preneed funeral arrangement under Subsection 
(1)
shall:
(a)
be written in clear and understandable language printed in an easy-to-read type size 
and font;
(b)
bear the preprinted name, address, telephone number, and license number of the 
funeral service establishment obligated to provide the services under the contract 
terms;
(c)
clearly identify that the contract is a guaranteed product contract;
(d)
provide that a trust is established in accordance with the provisions of Section 
58-9-702
;
(e)
if the contract is funded by an insurance policy or product, provide that the insurance 
policy or product is filed with the Insurance Department and meets the requirements 
of 
Title 31A, Insurance Code
; and
(f)
conform to other standards created by rules made by division under 
Title 63G, 
Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act
, to protect the interests of buyers 
and potential buyers.
(3)
A preneed funeral arrangement contract shall provide for payment by the buyer in a 
form which may be liquidated by the funeral service establishment within 30 days after 
the day the funeral service establishment or sales agent receives the payment.
(4)
A preneed funeral arrangement contract may not be revocable by the funeral service 
establishment except:
(a)
in the event of nonpayment; and
(b)
under terms and conditions clearly set forth in the contract.
(5)
(a)
A preneed funeral arrangement contract may not be revocable by the buyer or 
beneficiary except:
(i)
in the event of:
(A)
a substantial contract breach by the funeral service establishment; or
(B)
substantial evidence that the funeral service establishment is or will be unable 
to provide the personal property or services to the beneficiary as provided 
under the contract; or
(ii)
under terms and conditions clearly set forth in the contract.
(b)
The preneed funeral arrangement contract shall contain a clear statement of the 
manner in which payments made on the contract shall be refunded to the buyer or 
beneficiary upon revocation by the beneficiary.
(6)
(a)
A preneed funeral arrangement contract shall provide the buyer the option to 
require the funeral service establishment to furnish a written disclosure to a person 
who does not live at the same residence as the buyer.
(b)
The preneed funeral arrangement buyer may choose:
(i)
a full disclosure containing a copy of the entire preneed funeral arrangement 
contract;
(ii)
a partial disclosure informing the recipient of:
(A)
the existence of a preneed funeral arrangement contract; and
(B)
the name, address, telephone number, and license number of the funeral 
service establishment obligated to provide the services under the preneed 
funeral arrangement contract; or
(iii)
not to require the funeral service establishment to furnish a written disclosure to 
another person.
Section 6, Section 
59-10-103.1
 is amended to read:
59-10-103.1. Information to be contained on individual income tax returns or 
booklets.
(1)
The commission shall print the phrase "all state income tax dollars support education, 
children, and individuals with disabilities" on:
(a)
the first page of an individual income tax return; and
(b)
the cover page of an individual income tax forms and instructions booklet.
(2)
The commission shall include on an individual income tax return a statement for a 
property owner to declare that the property owner no longer qualifies to receive a 
residential exemption authorized under Section 
59-2-103
 for that property owner's 
primary residence.
(3)
The commission shall include in each instruction booklet information about the option 
to register as a donor, as that term is defined in Section 
26B-8-301
, and instructions for 
accessing a donor registry established under Section 
26B-8-319
.
Section 7, Section 
63G-1-401
 is amended to read:
63G-1-401. Commemorative periods.
(1)
As used in this section, "commemorative period" means a special observance declared 
by the governor that annually recognizes and honors a culturally or historically 
significant day, week, month, or other time period in the state.
(2)
(a)
The governor may declare a commemorative period by issuing a declaration.
(b)
The governor shall maintain a list of all commemorative periods declared by the 
governor.
(3)
(a)
The governor's declaration of a commemorative period expires the year 
immediately following the day on which the governor issues the declaration.
(b)
Subsection (3)(a) does not prevent the governor from redeclaring a commemorative 
period before or after the commemorative period expires.
(4)
Notwithstanding Subsections (2) and (3), the following days shall be commemorated 
annually:
(a)
Utah History Day at the Capitol, on the Friday immediately following the fourth 
Monday in January, to encourage citizens of the state, including students, to 
participate in activities that recognize Utah's history;
(b)
Day of Remembrance for Incarceration of Japanese Americans, on February 19, in 
remembrance of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II;
(c)
Utah State Flag Day, on March 9;
(d)
Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, on March 29;
(e)
Utah Railroad Workers Day, on May 10;
(f)
Dandy-Walker Syndrome Awareness Day, on May 11;
(g)
Armed Forces Day, on the third Saturday in May, in honor of men and women who 
are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces around the world in 
defense of freedom;
(h)
Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Awareness Day, on June 30;
(i)
Navajo Code Talker Day, on August 14;
(j)
Rachael Runyan/Missing and Exploited Children's Day, on August 26, the 
anniversary of the day three-year-old Rachael Runyan was kidnaped from a 
playground in Sunset, Utah, to:
(i)
encourage individuals to make child safety a priority;
(ii)
remember the importance of continued efforts to reunite missing children with 
their families; and
(iii)
honor Rachael Runyan and all Utah children who have been abducted or 
exploited;
(k)
September 11th Day of Remembrance, on September 11, in honor and remembrance 
of the first responders and persons killed and injured in the terrorist attacks on 
September 11, 2001;
(l)
Constitution Day, on September 17, to invite all Utah adults and Utah school children 
to read directly from the United States Constitution and other primary sources, and 
for students to be taught principles from the United States Constitution that include 
federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, limited 
government, and the necessary and proper, commerce, and supremacy clauses;
(m)
POW/MIA Recognition Day, on the third Friday in September;
(n)
Diwali, on the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik, known as 
Lakshmi puja, or the Hindu festival of lights;
(o)
Victims of Communism Memorial Day, on November 7;
(p)
Indigenous People Day, on the Monday immediately preceding Thanksgiving; and
(q)
Bill of Rights Day, on December 15.
(5)
The Department of Veterans and Military Affairs shall coordinate activities, special 
programs, and promotional information to heighten public awareness and involvement 
relating to Subsections (4)(g) and (m).
(6)
The month of April shall be commemorated annually as Clean Out the Medicine 
Cabinet Month to:
(a)
recognize the urgent need to make Utah homes and neighborhoods safe from 
prescription medication abuse and poisonings by the proper home storage and 
disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications; and
(b)
educate citizens about the permanent medication disposal sites in Utah listed on 
useonlyasdirected.org that allow disposal throughout the year.
(7)
The second full week of April shall be commemorated annually as Animal Care and 
Control Appreciation Week to recognize and increase awareness within the community 
of the services that animal care and control professionals provide.
(8)
The third full week of April shall be commemorated annually as Organ Donor 
Awareness Week to increase public awareness of the need for organ donors, honor those 
that have saved lives through the gift of organ donation, and encourage citizens to 
register as organ donors.
(8)
(9)
The first full week of May shall be commemorated annually as State Water Week 
to recognize the importance of water conservation, quality, and supply in the state.
(9)
(10)
The third full week of June shall be commemorated annually as Workplace Safety 
Week to heighten public awareness regarding the importance of safety in the workplace.
(10)
(11)
The second Friday and Saturday in August shall be commemorated annually as 
Utah Fallen Heroes Days to:
(a)
honor fallen heroes who, during service in the military or public safety, have 
sacrificed their lives to protect the country and the citizens of the state; and
(b)
encourage political subdivisions to acknowledge and honor fallen heroes.
(11)
(12)
The third full week in August shall be commemorated annually as Drowsy 
Driving Awareness Week to:
(a)
educate the public about the relationship between fatigue and driving performance; 
and
(b)
encourage the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation to 
recognize and promote educational efforts on the dangers of drowsy driving.
(12)
(13)
The month of September shall be commemorated annually as American 
Founders and Constitution Month to:
(a)
encourage all civic, fraternal, and religious organizations, and public and private 
educational institutions, to recognize and observe this occasion through appropriate 
programs, teaching, meetings, services, or celebrations in which state, county, and 
local governmental officials are invited to participate; and
(b)
invite all Utah school children to read directly from the United States Constitution 
and other primary sources, and to be taught principles from the United States 
Constitution that include federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, 
popular sovereignty, limited government, and the necessary and proper, commerce, 
and supremacy clauses.
(13)
(14)
The third full week of September shall be commemorated annually as Gang 
Prevention Awareness Week.
(14)
(15)
The month of October shall be commemorated annually as Italian-American 
Heritage Month.
(15)
(16)
The month of November shall be commemorated annually as American Indian 
Heritage Month.
(16)
(17)
The first full week of December shall be commemorated annually as Avalanche 
Awareness Week to:
(a)
educate the public about avalanche awareness and safety;
(b)
encourage collaborative efforts to decrease annual avalanche accidents and fatalities; 
and
(c)
honor Utah residents who have lost their lives in avalanches, including those who 
lost their lives working to prevent avalanches.
Section 8, Section 
63G-6a-122
 is enacted to read:
63G-6a-122. Encouraging the dissemination of information regarding organ 
donation.
A procurement unit shall encourage all contractors to provide the contractor's employees 
with information about the option to register as a donor, as that term is defined in Section 
26B-8-301
, and instructions for accessing a donor registry established under Section 
26B-8-319
.
Section 9, Section 
75A-3-207
 is amended to read:
75A-3-207. Notification to health care provider -- Obligations of health care 
providers -- Liability.
(1)
It is the responsibility of the declarant or surrogate, to the extent that the responsibility 
is not assigned to a health care provider or health care facility by state or federal law, to 
notify or provide for notification to a health care provider and a health care facility of:
(a)
the existence of a health care directive;
(b)
the revocation of a health care directive;
(c)
the existence or revocation of appointment of an agent or default surrogate;
(d)
the disqualification of a default surrogate; or
(e)
the appointment or revocation of appointment of a guardian.
(2)
(a)
A health care provider or health care facility is not subject to civil or criminal 
liability or to claims of unprofessional conduct for failing to act upon a health care 
directive, a revocation of a health care directive, or a disqualification of a surrogate 
until the health care provider or health care facility has received an oral directive 
from an adult or a copy of a written directive or revocation of the health care 
directive, or the disqualification of the surrogate.
(b)
A health care provider and health care facility that is notified under Subsection (1) 
shall include in the adult patient's medical record:
(i)
the health care directive or a copy of it, a revocation of a health care directive, or a 
disqualification of a surrogate; and
(ii)
the date, time, and place in which any written or oral notice of the document 
described in this Subsection (2)(b) is received.
(3)
A health care provider or health care facility acting in good faith and in accordance with 
generally accepted health care standards is not subject to civil or criminal liability or to 
discipline for unprofessional conduct for:
(a)
complying with a health care decision made by an adult with health care decision 
making capacity;
(b)
complying with a health care decision made by a surrogate apparently having 
authority to make a health care decision for a person, including a decision to withhold 
or withdraw health care;
(c)
declining to comply with a health care decision of a surrogate based on a belief that 
the surrogate then lacked authority;
(d)
declining to comply with a health care decision of an adult who lacks decision 
making capacity;
(e)
seeking a judicial determination, or requiring a surrogate to obtain a judicial 
determination, under Section 
75A-3-107
 of:
(i)
the validity of a health care directive;
(ii)
the validity of directions from a surrogate or guardian;
(iii)
the decision making capacity of an adult who challenges a physician's finding of 
incapacity; or
(iv)
the authority of a guardian or surrogate; or
(f)
complying with an advance health care directive and assuming that the directive was 
valid when made, and has not been revoked or terminated.
(4)
(a)
Health care providers and health care facilities shall:
(i)
cooperate with a person authorized under this chapter to make written directives 
concerning health care;
(ii)
unless the provisions of Subsection (4)(b) apply, comply with:
(A)
a health care decision of an adult; and
(B)
a health care decision made by the highest ranking surrogate then authorized 
to make health care decisions for an adult, to the same extent as if the decision 
had been made by the adult;
(iii)
before implementing a health care decision made by a surrogate, make a 
reasonable attempt to communicate to the adult on whose behalf the decision is 
made:
(A)
the decision made; and
(B)
the identity of the surrogate making the decision.
(b)
A health care provider or health care facility may decline to comply with a health 
care decision if:
(i)
in the opinion of the health care provider:
(A)
the adult who made the decision lacks health care decision making capacity;
(B)
the surrogate who made the decision lacks health care decision making 
capacity;
(C)
the health care provider has evidence that the surrogate's instructions are 
inconsistent with the adult's health care instructions, or, for a person who has 
always lacked health care decision making capacity, that the surrogate's 
instructions are inconsistent with the best interest of the adult; or
(D)
there is reasonable doubt regarding the status of a person claiming the right to 
act as a default surrogate, in which case the health care provider shall comply 
with Subsection 
75A-3-203
(6); or
(ii)
the health care provider declines to comply for reasons of conscience.
(c)
A health care provider or health care facility that declines to comply with a health 
care decision in accordance with Subsection (4)(b) must:
(i)
promptly inform the adult and any acting surrogate of the reason for refusing to 
comply with the health care decision;
(ii)
make a good faith attempt to resolve the conflict; and
(iii)
provide continuing care to the patient until the issue is resolved or until a transfer 
can be made to a health care provider or health care facility that will implement 
the requested instruction or decision.
(d)
A health care provider or health care facility that declines to comply with a health 
care instruction, after meeting the obligations set forth in Subsection (4)(c) may 
transfer the adult to a health care provider or health care facility that will carry out the 
requested health care decisions.
(e)
A health care facility may decline to follow a health care decision for reasons of 
conscience under Subsection (4)(b)(ii) if:
(i)
the health care decision is contrary to a policy of the facility that is expressly 
based on reasons of conscience;
(ii)
the policy was timely communicated to the adult and an adult's surrogate;
(iii)
the facility promptly informs the adult, if possible, and any surrogate then 
authorized to make decisions for the adult;
(iv)
the facility provides continuing care to the adult until a transfer can be made to a 
health care facility that will implement the requested instruction or decision; and
(v)
unless an adult or surrogate then authorized to make health care decisions for the 
adult refuses assistance, immediately make all reasonable efforts to assist in the 
transfer of the adult to another health care facility that will carry out the 
instructions or decisions.
(5)
A health care provider and health care facility:
(a)
may not require or prohibit the creation or revocation of an advance health care 
directive as a condition for providing health care;
 and
(b)
when notified of a circumstance described in Subsection 
(1)
, shall inform the 
individual giving the notification about the option to register as a donor, as that term 
is defined in Section 
26B-8-301
, and provide instructions for accessing a donor 
registry established under Section 
26B-8-319
; and
(b)
(c)
shall comply with all state and federal laws and regulations governing advance 
health care directives.
Section 10. 
Effective Date.
This bill takes effect on 
May 7, 2025
.
1-28-25 11:17 AM