This bill enacts provisions related to patient interfacility transportation.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
When a patient is being transferred from one health care facility to another and their doctor determines they don't medically need an ambulance, this bill would require the originating facility to allow the patient to use non-medical transportation instead, such as a ride from a family member or public transit, as long as the patient isn't under a mental health commitment order and the transfer wouldn't violate federal emergency treatment law. The facility would have to give the patient written notice explaining that their condition doesn't require an ambulance, that insurance may not cover ambulance costs, and what the current ambulance rates are. If the patient arrives at the receiving facility within a set window — two hours for most facilities, or four hours for those in smaller, more rural counties — that facility could not charge separate admission fees (unless the patient's condition changed during transport) or give away the bed reserved for the patient. The bill would also protect the originating facility and its health care providers from being sued over this arrangement, as long as the patient's condition truly didn't require an ambulance at the time of discharge, and it clarifies that patients can still refuse any form of transportation.
Introduction
Jan 29
House Rules
House Committee
Feb 4
House Floor Vote
Feb 17
Senate Rules
Feb 17
Senate Committee
Feb 24
Senate 2nd Reading
Feb 26
Senate 3rd Reading
Feb 27
Governor Signed
Mar 18
IntroductionJan 29
House Rules
House CommitteeFeb 4
House Floor VoteFeb 17
Senate RulesFeb 17
Senate CommitteeFeb 24
Senate 2nd ReadingFeb 26
Senate 3rd ReadingFeb 27
Governor SignedMar 18
This bill enacts provisions related to patient interfacility transportation.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
When a patient is being transferred from one health care facility to another and their doctor determines they don't medically need an ambulance, this bill would require the originating facility to allow the patient to use non-medical transportation instead, such as a ride from a family member or public transit, as long as the patient isn't under a mental health commitment order and the transfer wouldn't violate federal emergency treatment law. The facility would have to give the patient written notice explaining that their condition doesn't require an ambulance, that insurance may not cover ambulance costs, and what the current ambulance rates are. If the patient arrives at the receiving facility within a set window — two hours for most facilities, or four hours for those in smaller, more rural counties — that facility could not charge separate admission fees (unless the patient's condition changed during transport) or give away the bed reserved for the patient. The bill would also protect the originating facility and its health care providers from being sued over this arrangement, as long as the patient's condition truly didn't require an ambulance at the time of discharge, and it clarifies that patients can still refuse any form of transportation.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Governor Signed
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
House/ to Governor
Executive Branch - Governor
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Clerk of the House
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Clerk of the House
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Clerk of the House
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM