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Senate substitutes language in SB 57 to direct telehealth funds to Utah Telehealth Network
Summary
Senate substituted SB 57 to direct appropriated funds to the Utah Telehealth Network rather than the Department of Health; the substitute passed and the bill was moved to the third-reading calendar with referral to the capital facilities appropriation subcommittee for funding review.
Senator Evans moved and the Senate approved a substitute for Senate Bill 57 to correct where proposed telehealth funding should be sent. The sponsor said the change directs appropriations and program responsibility to the Utah Telehealth Network instead of the Department of Health because the amended language better reflects how the network operates in rural referrals.
Evans described telehealth's practical benefits, including faster transfer of diagnostic information for rural patients that can speed treatment. She asked that the appropriation portion be referred to the appropriate appropriations subcommittee; Senate leaders confirmed the capital facilities appropriation subcommittee would receive the funding request for prioritization within the budget process.
The substitute passed by roll-call and the first-substitute SB 57 was placed on the third-reading calendar. The Senate recorded 27 yes votes, 0 nay votes and 2 absent on the substitute.
