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SB 134

Health Care Decisions Act Amendments

2025 General Session Introduced by Mike McKell and 1 co-sponsor

SB 134 modifies Utah's Health Care Decisions Act procedures for advance directives and surrogate medical decision-making, signed into law March 2025.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · SB 134

Legislative bill overview

SB 134 amends Utah's Health Care Decisions Act, which governs advance directives, surrogate decision-making, and end-of-life medical choices. The bill modifies procedures for how individuals can document their health care preferences and how medical decisions are made when patients cannot communicate their wishes. The specific amendments focus on clarifying authority and procedures for implementing advance directives in clinical settings.

Why is this important

Health care decisions legislation directly affects how hospitals, physicians, and families navigate critical medical situations—including end-of-life care, organ donation, and treatment preferences. Clarifying these procedures can reduce conflicts between medical providers and families while ensuring patient autonomy is protected. These laws also provide legal protection for healthcare workers who follow proper protocols when patients cannot advocate for themselves.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of changes unclear: Without access to the bill's specific text amendments, the practical impact on patient rights or physician obligations cannot be fully assessed
  • Surrogate decision-making authority: Modifications to who can make decisions for incapacitated patients may shift responsibility between spouses, adult children, or court-appointed guardians in ways some stakeholders oppose
  • Religious and values-based concerns: Changes to advance directive options or procedures may affect how individuals can document faith-based medical preferences or conscientious objections to certain treatments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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