The Utah 2022 State Legislative Session is Complete

The 2022 state legislative session in Utah has come to an end with multiple heart-healthy policies moving forward. In this session, the AHA worked on two policies related to CPR, postpartum Medicaid extension, tobacco retail licensure, and defended against pro-vaping legislation. 

The American Heart Association’s focus on expanding immediate CPR treatment for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) resulted in major progress this session. First, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Schools (SB192) passed out of the legislature unanimously. This bill codifies and funds a requirement for Utah high schools to provide students with lifesaving CPR training. Second, a new administrative rule is out for public comment. A requirement that all 911 telecommunicators who provide dispatch for emergency medical conditions shall be trained in the delivery of high-quality telecommunicator CPR (TCPR).  

The AHA and partner organizations worked to prevent Electronic Cigarette Restrictions (SB130). This bill would have taken away the State Department of Health's ability to regulate nicotine content in certain vape products. Thanks to open dialogue with the bill sponsor about the safety risks of the legislation, the bill was tabled in the Senate Health Committee. In addition to this, the American Heart Association met with legislators and partners to lay the groundwork for tobacco retail licensure regulations that reduce underage sales of tobacco and vape products.

The American Heart Association, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Utah Health Policy Project, is working on postpartum Medicaid extension in 2023. The current political environment did not have an appetite for postpartum Medicaid extension, however, the AHA is creating a future campaign plan for the bill. With increased support from partner organizations, the American Heart Association remains optimistic about the passage of postpartum Medicaid extension from 60 days to one year. Over the next two quarters, the American Heart Association will be focusing on community-level policy efforts, strategizing for the 2023 session, and developing the key relationships needed to progress policies leading towards longer and healthier lives.