House approves clinical research measure to study psychedelic-assisted PTSD treatments for veterans

The Utah House on Feb. 18 approved first substitute House Bill 390 to create a clinical research pathway for psychedelic-assisted treatments targeting treatment-resistant PTSD in the veteran population. Representative Daley Provo, sponsor of the bill, described the measure as narrowly focused on research conducted under strict protocols at Huntsman Mental Health Institute with oversight from the FDA, DEA and university institutional review boards.

Daley Provo argued the bill responds to an urgent need: Utah has a relatively high veteran suicide rate and a large veteran population, he said, and some veterans have sought treatments outside the U.S. when options are limited domestically. The bill authorizes a clinical study designed to test safety and feasibility for a tightly defined veteran cohort and anticipates robust institutional oversight.

Floor questions asked whether Huntsman Mental Health Institute was the only facility with capacity; the sponsor said it was not the only possible site but was chosen as an appropriate partner given current expertise. Opponents expressed fiscal caution about the proposed investment; Representative Peck flagged state-cost concerns and urged caution in authorizing multi‑million-dollar study commitments.

Representative Burton described personal experiences with veterans who have struggled with PTSD and supported the bill as a clinically supervised option for treatment‑resistant cases. The House passed the first substitute 68–2 and sent it to the Senate for further consideration.

Next steps: The implementing agencies and the institute will need to finalize study protocols, obtain DEA/FDA/IRB approvals and return reports as specified in the bill.