House passes bill requiring clinics to give patients written complaint instructions after alleged misconduct

The Utah House on Feb. 2 passed HB164, which requires medical offices to provide patients with written instructions explaining how to file complaints alleging professional misconduct. Sponsor Rep. Gracious said the bill was brought after a constituent alleged a surgeon contacted her on a dating app during post-operative care and that clinic staff offered money in exchange for signing a nondisclosure agreement; the sponsor said the patient refused.

Rep. Gracious said the bill is short and straightforward: when a patient makes an allegation that could constitute professional misconduct, the office must provide the patient with written information about how to file a complaint with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). There was no floor opposition; summation was waived and the House passed the bill 72-0.

Next steps: HB164 will be sent to the Senate for consideration.