Committee backs statewide pediatric readiness program for hospitals, citing rural benefits

Senator Plumb presented SB127, saying the bill reinforces core concepts of the National Pediatric Readiness Project and requires participation by Utah hospitals to assess readiness, identify gaps and access training and resources. The sponsor said improved pediatric readiness is associated with markedly lower mortality risk in seriously ill or injured children and that the bill aligns with ongoing statewide efforts.

Dr. Hillary Hughes, a pediatric emergency medicine physician working with Primary Children’s and the EMS for Children Data Center, told the committee rural hospitals have welcomed training and resource support and that the program does not force hospitals to "reinvent the wheel" — rather it provides protocols, equipment lists and implementation support. Eric Bornemeier of the state Bureau of EMS said the bill will allow the state to capture information and provide resources more effectively.

Committee members asked about administrative burdens and equipment turnover; witnesses said the program does not require a full paid position at every site and that coordination can be shared with existing roles. The committee voted to favorably recommend SB127 to the House with a unanimous voice vote recorded in the transcript.