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DHHS holds public hearing on proposed fee-schedule changes across divisions
Summary
Utah Department of Health and Human Services hosted a public policy hearing to review proposed fee-schedule adjustments spanning records requests, medical examiner services, laboratory testing, vital records online ordering, Medicaid/CHIP changes, and a new ICPC administrative fee; staff said many changes reflect higher operating costs and contract terms.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services held a statutory policy hearing to solicit public comment on proposed changes to the department's fee schedules. Presenters from divisions across DHHS described a mix of deletions, increases, and new charges tied to changing costs, technology contracts and workload pressures.
Ryan Roberts, introduced as the assistant director of operations and finance, summarized the department's approach as one of consolidation and targeted adjustments rather than broad increases. "We don't have any meeting that we're increasing. We've just eliminated these," he said, describing removal of duplicate or obsolete record-request fees and the consolidation of some ground fees into the executive director's office. Divisional presenters then outlined specific adjustments — from a medical examiner cremation-fee increase to a proposed new $35 administrative charge for ICPC requests handled by the Division of Child and Family Services — and responded to questions from legislators, providers and other stakeholders about timing, who bears costs and payment logistics.
The hearing produced detailed operational clarifications: Vital Records staff described a new online ordering platform that changes identity-verification and expedited-shipping charges; lab managers cited rising reagent, hazardous-waste and equipment costs as drivers of testing-fee increases; and DCFS officials said the ICPC fee is intended to support additional staff so the office can meet response-time standards. No formal votes were recorded at the hearing; staff said the next steps include reviewing comments, making any needed revisions, and presenting final proposals to the legislature.
