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House backs bill to formalize overdose fatality reviews and add investigators, sponsors say data will save lives
Summary
The House passed HB58 to codify an opioid and drug overdose fatality review committee, fund a coordinator position and add death investigators to improve data and prevention; supporters said improved analysis could inform public health and prescribing practices. The bill passed 72-0.
Representative Eliason described HB58 as a measure to gather and analyze data on opioid and other drug-related deaths in order to better target resources and reduce fatalities. He noted 360 opioid fatality deaths in Utah in 2018 and tied the bill to prior efforts to study suicide deaths: the bill would formalize an overdose fatality review committee and fund a position to oversee reviews and analysis.
Eliason said the legislation would also provide funding for additional death investigators who respond to scenes and perform autopsies, noting the medical examiner's office conducts about 3,000 autopsies a year and currently faces staffing constraints. "This bill would fund one position to oversee the opioid fatality review," Eliason said, and it would put the committee into statute to ensure consistent membership and function.
Supporters, including Representative Dau, called the bill "absolutely important," arguing that improved data collection will help target the state's investments. Summation was waived and the bill passed the House on a recorded vote.
Vote and next steps: First substitute HB58 received 72 yes votes and 0 no votes; it passes the House and will be referred to the Senate for consideration.
Note: Sponsor described the 2018 opioid fatality figure as 360; transcript indicates a decrease from the prior year but emphasized fatalities remain too high.
