The Utah House of Representatives passed legislation that requires the Utah Department of Health to contract with an organization to identify potential overuse of non-evidence-based health care. HB195, which passed by a 70–0 count among 75 legislators, is sponsored by a Democrat and Republican, Rep. Suzanne Harrison and Sen. Evan Vickers, respectively.

Utah Rep. Suzanne Harrison speaks on HB195, which requires the Utah Department of Health to contract with an organization to identify potential overuse of non-evidence-based health care. (photo credit: Utah House Democrats via Twitter)

Harrison said on the House floor that other states have used the tool, mentioning Washington among other states.

Republican Rep. Norm Thurston, who has supported measures or made statements advocating for dramatic measures, spoke in support of the bill.

“Twenty-five percent of the state, we’re responsible for their health care,” Thurston said.

Republican and Democratic Reps. Ray Ward and Jennifer Dailey-Provost, respectively, also spoke in support of the bill.

“The healthcare system wants to improve their quality,” Ward said. “This bill is a good step in that direction.”

“What I love best about this bill is this takes Utah-specific data,” Dailey-Provost said, citing “unique health care needs in Utah” like it being “a very fertile state.”

“This resonates and is a great step,” Dailey-Provost said.

Harrison added that the bill “has potential for Utah” and can “tackle” non-evidence-based health care “using local stakeholders.”