House passes HB121 to let retired health practitioners volunteer under a supervised license

The Utah House approved House Bill 121, the Retired Volunteer Healthcare Practitioner Act, creating a volunteer licensure category to permit retired physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other practitioners to provide unpaid care under the supervision of a currently licensed practitioner.

"This bill is, I guess, what I would consider a contribution to our health care problem," Representative Brown, the bill sponsor, said, describing the measure as a way to enable experienced but retired practitioners to volunteer at free clinics without maintaining full active licensure. He said the license would cost volunteers nothing and require proof of prior licensure plus supervision by an active practitioner.

Supporters emphasized liability protections: floor discussion referenced qualified immunity language in the bill text tied to existing statutory Good Samaritan provisions. Representative Vickers explained that prescriptions or medical orders would be written by the supervising practitioner, and Representative King and Representative Gibson offered support noting the bill could increase access to care in rural areas and clinics that serve the uninsured.

The House voted to approve the second substitute of HB121 by voice roll call; the clerk announced 70 yes and 0 no votes. The measure will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.

What’s next: The bill will proceed to the Utah Senate. If enacted, the measure would authorize the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to issue volunteer licenses and outline supervision and immunity provisions.