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<leg xml:space="preserve" billnum="SB0081" sponsor="Jen Plumb" designation="SB" otherSponsor="" otherHouse="House" sess="2026GS" fileno="2026FL0486" date="1/6/2026 12:01:13" printDate="01-06 12:27" subVer="0" minVer="0" office="LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL" actionDate="" impact="code"><info><nextbuid>5</nextbuid><aminfo anum="0" effdate="05/06/2026"><seclist><sect action="A" src="code" buid="3" uid="C53E-4-S307_2026050620260506" fromuid="C53E-4-S307_2024050120240501" sort="53E04 03070020260506" mtype="section" effdate="05/06/2026">53E-4-307</sect><sect action="A" src="code" buid="1" uid="C58-1-S501_2026050620260506" fromuid="C58-1-S501_2025032420250507" sort="58 01 05010020260506" mtype="section" effdate="05/06/2026">58-1-501</sect><sect src="uncod" untype="effdate" buid="4" uid="EF0000" sort="UZEFF" mtype="uncod" effdate="05/06/2026"/></seclist></aminfo></info><tbox><sinfo><nextpairid>0</nextpairid></sinfo><st numlevel="1" lineno="1" slineno="0-1">Dyslexia Testing Amendments</st><sessionhead>2026 GENERAL SESSION</sessionhead><statehead>STATE OF UTAH</statehead><sponsorhead>Chief Sponsor: Jen Plumb</sponsorhead><otherSponsorhead>House Sponsor: </otherSponsorhead></tbox><lt numlevel="1" lineno="2" slineno="0-2"><lthead lineno="3">LONG TITLE</lthead><gdhead lineno="4">General Description:</gdhead><gd numlevel="1" lineno="5" slineno="0-5">This bill expands the licensed professionals permitted to administer a dyslexia assessment.</gd><hphead lineno="6">Highlighted Provisions:</hphead><hp numlevel="1" lineno="7" slineno="0-7">This bill:<hl numlevel="1" lineno="8" slineno="0-8" level="1">provides that is not unlawful or unprofessional conduct for a licensed mental health <ln numlevel="1" lineno="9" slineno="0-9"/>therapist to administer a dyslexia assessment, if the mental health therapist, by training, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="10" slineno="0-10"/>education, and experience, is qualified to administer the assessment;</hl><hl numlevel="1" lineno="11" slineno="0-11" level="1">requires a school district or charter school to take certain actions, including individualized <ln numlevel="1" lineno="12" slineno="0-12"/>intervention, if a qualifying dyslexia assessment shows that a student lacks reading <ln numlevel="1" lineno="13" slineno="0-13"/>competency, shows signs of dyslexia, or is lagging in acquiring a reading skill;</hl><hl numlevel="1" lineno="14" slineno="0-14" level="1">defines terms; and</hl><hl numlevel="1" lineno="15" slineno="0-15" level="1">makes technical and conforming changes.</hl></hp><moni numlevel="1" lineno="16" slineno="0-16" display="none">Money Appropriated in this Bill:</moni><moniNone lineno="17">None</moniNone><oc numlevel="1" lineno="18" slineno="0-18">Other Special Clauses:</oc><ocNone lineno="19">None</ocNone><sa numlevel="1" lineno="20" slineno="0-20">Utah Code Sections Affected:<saamd numlevel="1" lineno="21" slineno="0-21"><snhead>AMENDS:</snhead><sn num="53E-4-307" src="code" uid="C53E-4-S307_2026050620260506" buid="3" sort="53E04 03070020260506" numlevel="1" lineno="22" slineno="0-22"><bold>53E-4-307</bold>, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 60</sn><sn num="58-1-501" src="code" uid="C58-1-S501_2026050620260506" buid="1" sort="58 01 05010020260506" numlevel="1" lineno="23" slineno="0-23"><bold>58-1-501</bold>, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 138</sn></saamd></sa></lt><enacthead lineno="24"/><enact numlevel="1" lineno="25" slineno="0-25">Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:</enact><bdy><bsec buid="3" num="53E-4-307" type="amend" src="code" uid="C53E-4-S307_2026050620260506" sort="53E04 03070020260506" numlevel="1" lineno="26" slineno="1-1" sn="1"><section number="53E-4-307" numlevel="1" lineno="27" slineno="1-2" type="amend"><secline lineno="26">Section 1. Section <bold>53E-4-307</bold> is amended to read:</secline><catline lineno="27"><bold>53E-4-307<parens/>. Benchmark assessments in reading -- Report to parent.</bold></catline><subsection ssid="3-null-1" dnum="1-o" numlevel="1" lineno="28" slineno="1-3" level="1" placement="noreturn"><display>(1)</display>As used in this section:<subsection ssid="3-null-2" dnum="a-o" numlevel="1" lineno="29" slineno="1-4" level="2"><display>(a)</display>"Competency" means a demonstrable acquisition of a specified knowledge, skill, or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="30" slineno="1-5"/>ability that has been organized into a hierarchical arrangement leading to higher <ln numlevel="1" lineno="31" slineno="1-6"/>levels of knowledge, skill, or ability.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-3" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="32" slineno="1-7" level="2"><display>(b)</display>"Diagnostic assessment" means an assessment that measures key literacy skills, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="33" slineno="1-8"/>including phonemic awareness, sound-symbol recognition, alphabet knowledge, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="34" slineno="1-9"/>decoding and encoding skills, and comprehension, to determine a student's specific <ln numlevel="1" lineno="35" slineno="1-10"/>strengths and weaknesses in a skill area.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-4" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="36" slineno="1-11" level="2"><display>(c)</display>"Dyslexia" means a learning disorder that:<subsection ssid="3-null-5" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="37" slineno="1-12" level="3"><display>(i)</display>is neurological in origin and is characterized by difficulties with:<subsection ssid="3-null-6" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="38" slineno="1-13" level="4"><display>(A)</display>accurate or fluent word recognition; and</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-7" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="39" slineno="1-14" level="4"><display>(B)</display>poor spelling and decoding abilities; and</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-8" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="40" slineno="1-15" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>typically results from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is <ln numlevel="1" lineno="41" slineno="1-16"/>often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="42" slineno="1-17"/>effective classroom instruction.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-9" dnum="d-o" numlevel="1" lineno="43" slineno="1-18" level="2"><display>(d)</display>"Evidence-based" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53G-11-303">53G-11-303</xref>.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-10" dnum="e-o" numlevel="1" lineno="44" slineno="1-19" level="2"><display>(e)</display>"Evidence-informed" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53G-11-303">53G-11-303</xref>.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-30" dnum="_-o:f-i" numlevel="1" lineno="45" slineno="1-20" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="2"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1010" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(f)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="17" groupid="14" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">"Qualifying dyslexia assessment" means a dyslexia assessment administered by a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="46" slineno="1-21"/>mental health therapist as permitted by Subsection <xref refnumber="1-74">58-1-501(7)</xref>.</amend></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-11" dnum="2-o" numlevel="1" lineno="47" slineno="1-22" level="1"><display>(2)</display>The state board shall approve a benchmark assessment for use statewide by school <ln numlevel="1" lineno="48" slineno="1-23"/>districts and charter schools to assess the reading competency of students in grades 1 <ln numlevel="1" lineno="49" slineno="1-24"/>through 6 as provided by this section.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-12" dnum="3-o" numlevel="1" lineno="50" slineno="1-25" level="1" space="false"><display>(3)</display><subsection ssid="3-32" dnum="_-o:a-i" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="2" placement="sameline"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1013" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="both">(a)</amend></display>A school district or charter school shall:<subsection ssid="3-null-13" dnum="a-o:i-i" numlevel="1" lineno="51" slineno="1-26" level="3" tab="1"><display><amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="1014" style="2" owner="o" level="1" deltag="both">(a)</amend><amendoutend style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1015" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="both" space="true">(i)</amend></display>administer benchmark assessments to students in grades 1, 2, and 3 at the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="52" slineno="1-27"/>beginning, middle, and end of the school year using the benchmark assessment <ln numlevel="1" lineno="53" slineno="1-28"/>approved by the state board; and</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-14" dnum="b-o:ii-i" numlevel="1" lineno="54" slineno="1-29" level="3" tab="1"><display><amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="1015" style="2" owner="o" level="1" deltag="both">(b)</amend><amendoutend style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1016" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="both" space="true">(ii)</amend></display>after administering a benchmark assessment, report the results to a student's <ln numlevel="1" lineno="55" slineno="1-30"/>parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-33" dnum="_-o:b-i" numlevel="1" lineno="56" slineno="1-31" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="2"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1016" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(b)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="25" groupid="20" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">A student's parent may provide the results of a qualifying dyslexia assessment to a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="57" slineno="1-32"/>school district or charter school.</amend></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-15" dnum="4-o" numlevel="1" lineno="58" slineno="1-33" level="1" space="false"><display>(4)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-16" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>If a benchmark assessment<amendoutstart style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="erase" pairid="5" groupid="5" style="2" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" deltag="both"> or</amend><amendoutend style="2"/><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="3" groupid="3" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both" space="true">,</amend> supplemental reading assessment<amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="4" groupid="4" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both">, or qualifying <ln numlevel="1" lineno="59" slineno="1-34"/>dyslexia assessment</amend> indicates a student lacks competency in a reading skill, is <ln numlevel="1" lineno="60" slineno="1-35"/>demonstrating characteristics of dyslexia, or is lagging behind other students in the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="61" slineno="1-36"/>student's grade in acquiring a reading skill, the school district or charter school shall:<subsection ssid="3-null-17" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="62" slineno="1-37" level="3" tab="1"><display>(i)</display>administer diagnostic assessments to the student;</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-18" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="63" slineno="1-38" level="3" tab="1"><display>(ii)</display>using data from the diagnostic assessment, provide specific, focused, and <ln numlevel="1" lineno="64" slineno="1-39"/>individualized intervention or tutoring to develop the reading skill;</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-19" dnum="iii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="65" slineno="1-40" level="3" tab="1"><display>(iii)</display>administer formative assessments and progress monitoring at recommended <ln numlevel="1" lineno="66" slineno="1-41"/>levels for the benchmark assessment to measure the success of the focused <ln numlevel="1" lineno="67" slineno="1-42"/>intervention;</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-20" dnum="iv-o" numlevel="1" lineno="68" slineno="1-43" level="3" tab="1"><display>(iv)</display>inform the student's parent of activities that the parent may engage in with the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="69" slineno="1-44"/>student to assist the student in improving reading proficiency;</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-21" dnum="v-o" numlevel="1" lineno="70" slineno="1-45" level="3" tab="1"><display>(v)</display>provide information to the parent regarding appropriate interventions available to <ln numlevel="1" lineno="71" slineno="1-46"/>the student outside of the regular school day that may include tutoring, before and <ln numlevel="1" lineno="72" slineno="1-47"/>after school programs, or summer school; and</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-22" dnum="vi-o" numlevel="1" lineno="73" slineno="1-48" level="3" tab="1"><display>(vi)</display>provide instructional materials that are evidence-informed for core instruction <ln numlevel="1" lineno="74" slineno="1-49"/>and evidence-based for intervention and supplemental instruction.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-23" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="75" slineno="1-50" level="2"><display>(b)</display>Nothing in this section or in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53F-4-203">53F-4-203</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="53G-11-303">53G-11-303</xref> requires a reading <ln numlevel="1" lineno="76" slineno="1-51"/>software product to demonstrate the statistically significant effect size described in <ln numlevel="1" lineno="77" slineno="1-52"/>Subsection <xref depth="3" refnumber="53G-11-303">53G-11-303</xref>(1)(a) in order to be used as an instructional material <ln numlevel="1" lineno="78" slineno="1-53"/>described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53E-4-307(4)(a)(vi)">(4)(a)(vi)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-24" dnum="5-o" numlevel="1" lineno="79" slineno="1-54" level="1" space="false"><display>(5)</display><subsection ssid="3-null-25" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>In accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53F-4-201">53F-4-201</xref> and except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53E-4-307(5)(b)">(5)(b)</xref>, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="80" slineno="1-55"/>the state board shall contract with one or more educational technology providers for a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="81" slineno="1-56"/>benchmark assessment system for reading for students in kindergarten through grade <ln numlevel="1" lineno="82" slineno="1-57"/>6.</subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-26" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="83" slineno="1-58" level="2"><display>(b)</display>If revenue is insufficient for the benchmark assessment system for the grades <ln numlevel="1" lineno="84" slineno="1-59"/>described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53E-4-307(5)(a)">(5)(a)</xref>, the state board shall first prioritize funding a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="85" slineno="1-60"/>benchmark assessment for students in kindergarten through grade 3.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="3-null-27" dnum="6-o" numlevel="1" lineno="86" slineno="1-61" level="1"><display>(6)</display>A student with dyslexia is only eligible for special education services if the student <ln numlevel="1" lineno="87" slineno="1-62"/>meets federal eligibility criteria.</subsection></section></bsec><bsec buid="1" num="58-1-501" type="amend" src="code" uid="C58-1-S501_2026050620260506" sort="58 01 05010020260506" numlevel="1" lineno="88" slineno="2-1" sn="2"><section number="58-1-501" numlevel="1" lineno="89" slineno="2-2" type="amend"><secline lineno="88">Section 2. Section <bold>58-1-501</bold> is amended to read:</secline><catline lineno="89"><bold>58-1-501<parens/>. Unlawful and unprofessional conduct.</bold></catline><subsection ssid="1-null-1" dnum="1-o" numlevel="1" lineno="90" slineno="2-3" level="1" placement="noreturn"><display>(1)</display>"Unlawful conduct" means conduct, by any person, that is defined as unlawful under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="91" slineno="2-4"/>this title and includes:<subsection ssid="1-null-2" dnum="a-o" numlevel="1" lineno="92" slineno="2-5" level="2"><display>(a)</display>practicing or engaging in, representing oneself to be practicing or engaging in, or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="93" slineno="2-6"/>attempting to practice or engage in any profession requiring licensure under this title, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="94" slineno="2-7"/>except the behavioral health technician under Chapter 60, Part 6, Behavioral Health <ln numlevel="1" lineno="95" slineno="2-8"/>Coach and Technician Licensing Act, if the person is:<subsection ssid="1-null-3" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="96" slineno="2-9" level="3"><display>(i)</display>not licensed to do so or not exempted from licensure under this title; or</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-4" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="97" slineno="2-10" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>restricted from doing so by a suspended, revoked, restricted, temporary, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="98" slineno="2-11"/>probationary, or inactive license;</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-5" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="99" slineno="2-12" level="2" space="false"><display>(b)</display><subsection ssid="1-null-6" dnum="i-o" level="3" placement="sameline"><display>(i)</display>impersonating another licensee or practicing a profession under a false or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="100" slineno="2-13"/>assumed name, except as permitted by law; or</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-7" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="101" slineno="2-14" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>for a licensee who has had a license under this title reinstated following <ln numlevel="1" lineno="102" slineno="2-15"/>disciplinary action, practicing the same profession using a different name than the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="103" slineno="2-16"/>name used before the disciplinary action, except as permitted by law and after <ln numlevel="1" lineno="104" slineno="2-17"/>notice to, and approval by, the division;</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-8" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="105" slineno="2-18" level="2"><display>(c)</display>knowingly employing any other person to practice or engage in or attempt to practice <ln numlevel="1" lineno="106" slineno="2-19"/>or engage in any profession licensed under this title if the employee is not licensed to <ln numlevel="1" lineno="107" slineno="2-20"/>do so under this title;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-9" dnum="d-o" numlevel="1" lineno="108" slineno="2-21" level="2"><display>(d)</display>knowingly permitting the person's authority to practice or engage in any profession <ln numlevel="1" lineno="109" slineno="2-22"/>licensed under this title to be used by another, except as permitted by law;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-10" dnum="e-o" numlevel="1" lineno="110" slineno="2-23" level="2"><display>(e)</display>obtaining a passing score on a licensure examination, applying for or obtaining a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="111" slineno="2-24"/>license, or otherwise dealing with the division or a licensing board through the use of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="112" slineno="2-25"/>fraud, forgery, or intentional deception, misrepresentation, misstatement, or omission;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-11" dnum="f-o" numlevel="1" lineno="113" slineno="2-26" level="2" space="false"><display>(f)</display><subsection ssid="1-null-12" dnum="i-o" level="3" placement="sameline"><display>(i)</display>issuing, or aiding and abetting in the issuance of, an order or prescription for a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="114" slineno="2-27"/>drug or device to a person located in this state:<subsection ssid="1-null-13" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="115" slineno="2-28" level="4" tab="1"><display>(A)</display>without prescriptive authority conferred by a license issued under this title, or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="116" slineno="2-29"/>by an exemption to licensure under this title; or</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-14" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="117" slineno="2-30" level="4" tab="1"><display>(B)</display>with prescriptive authority conferred by an exception issued under this title or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="118" slineno="2-31"/>a multistate practice privilege recognized under this title, if the prescription <ln numlevel="1" lineno="119" slineno="2-32"/>was issued without first obtaining information, in the usual course of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="120" slineno="2-33"/>professional practice, that is sufficient to establish a diagnosis, to identify <ln numlevel="1" lineno="121" slineno="2-34"/>underlying conditions, and to identify contraindications to the proposed <ln numlevel="1" lineno="122" slineno="2-35"/>treatment; and</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-15" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="123" slineno="2-36" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="58-1-501(1)(f)(i)">(1)(f)(i)</xref> does not apply to treatment rendered in an emergency, on-call <ln numlevel="1" lineno="124" slineno="2-37"/>or cross coverage situation, provided that the person who issues the prescription <ln numlevel="1" lineno="125" slineno="2-38"/>has prescriptive authority conferred by a license under this title, or is exempt from <ln numlevel="1" lineno="126" slineno="2-39"/>licensure under this title; or</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-16" dnum="g-o" numlevel="1" lineno="127" slineno="2-40" level="2"><display>(g)</display>aiding or abetting any other person to violate any statute, rule, or order regulating a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="128" slineno="2-41"/>profession under this title.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-17" dnum="2-o" numlevel="1" lineno="129" slineno="2-42" level="1" space="false"><display>(2)</display><subsection ssid="1-null-18" dnum="a-o" level="2" placement="sameline"><display>(a)</display>"Unprofessional conduct" means conduct, by a licensee or applicant, that is <ln numlevel="1" lineno="130" slineno="2-43"/>defined as unprofessional conduct under this title or under any rule adopted under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="131" slineno="2-44"/>this title and includes:<subsection ssid="1-null-19" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="132" slineno="2-45" level="3" tab="1"><display>(i)</display>violating any statute, rule, or order regulating an a profession under this title;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-20" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="133" slineno="2-46" level="3" tab="1"><display>(ii)</display>violating, or aiding or abetting any other person to violate, any generally accepted <ln numlevel="1" lineno="134" slineno="2-47"/>professional or ethical standard applicable to an occupation or profession <ln numlevel="1" lineno="135" slineno="2-48"/>regulated under this title;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-21" dnum="iii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="136" slineno="2-49" level="3" tab="1"><display>(iii)</display>subject to the provisions of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="58-1-501(4)">(4)</xref>, engaging in conduct that results in <ln numlevel="1" lineno="137" slineno="2-50"/>conviction, a plea of nolo contendere, or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere that is <ln numlevel="1" lineno="138" slineno="2-51"/>held in abeyance pending the successful completion of probation with respect to a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="139" slineno="2-52"/>crime that, when considered with the functions and duties of the profession for <ln numlevel="1" lineno="140" slineno="2-53"/>which the license was issued or is to be issued, bears a substantial relationship to <ln numlevel="1" lineno="141" slineno="2-54"/>the licensee's or applicant's ability to safely or competently practice the profession;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-22" dnum="iv-o" numlevel="1" lineno="142" slineno="2-55" level="3" tab="1"><display>(iv)</display>engaging in conduct that results in disciplinary action, including reprimand, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="143" slineno="2-56"/>censure, diversion, probation, suspension, or revocation, by any other licensing or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="144" slineno="2-57"/>regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the licensee or applicant in the same <ln numlevel="1" lineno="145" slineno="2-58"/>profession if the conduct would, in this state, constitute grounds for denial of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="146" slineno="2-59"/>licensure or disciplinary proceedings under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="58-1-401">58-1-401</xref>;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-23" dnum="v-o" numlevel="1" lineno="147" slineno="2-60" level="3" tab="1"><display>(v)</display>engaging in conduct, including the use of intoxicants, drugs, narcotics, or similar <ln numlevel="1" lineno="148" slineno="2-61"/>chemicals, to the extent that the conduct does, or might reasonably be considered <ln numlevel="1" lineno="149" slineno="2-62"/>to, impair the ability of the licensee or applicant to safely engage in the profession;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-24" dnum="vi-o" numlevel="1" lineno="150" slineno="2-63" level="3" tab="1"><display>(vi)</display>practicing or attempting to practice a profession regulated under this title despite <ln numlevel="1" lineno="151" slineno="2-64"/>being physically or mentally unfit to do so;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-25" dnum="vii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="152" slineno="2-65" level="3" tab="1"><display>(vii)</display>practicing or attempting to practice a or profession regulated under this title <ln numlevel="1" lineno="153" slineno="2-66"/>through gross incompetence, gross negligence, or a pattern of incompetency or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="154" slineno="2-67"/>negligence;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-26" dnum="viii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="155" slineno="2-68" level="3" tab="1"><display>(viii)</display>practicing or attempting to practice a profession requiring licensure under this <ln numlevel="1" lineno="156" slineno="2-69"/>title by any form of action or communication which is false, misleading, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="157" slineno="2-70"/>deceptive, or fraudulent;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-27" dnum="ix-o" numlevel="1" lineno="158" slineno="2-71" level="3" tab="1"><display>(ix)</display>practicing or attempting to practice a profession regulated under this title beyond <ln numlevel="1" lineno="159" slineno="2-72"/>the scope of the licensee's competency, abilities, or education;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-28" dnum="x-o" numlevel="1" lineno="160" slineno="2-73" level="3" tab="1"><display>(x)</display>practicing or attempting to practice a profession regulated under this title beyond <ln numlevel="1" lineno="161" slineno="2-74"/>the scope of the licensee's license;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-29" dnum="xi-o" numlevel="1" lineno="162" slineno="2-75" level="3" tab="1"><display>(xi)</display>verbally, physically, mentally, or sexually abusing or exploiting any person <ln numlevel="1" lineno="163" slineno="2-76"/>through conduct connected with the licensee's practice under this title or otherwise <ln numlevel="1" lineno="164" slineno="2-77"/>facilitated by the licensee's license;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-30" dnum="xii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="165" slineno="2-78" level="3" tab="1"><display>(xii)</display>acting as a supervisor without meeting the qualification requirements for that <ln numlevel="1" lineno="166" slineno="2-79"/>position that are defined by statute or rule;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-31" dnum="xiii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="167" slineno="2-80" level="3" tab="1"><display>(xiii)</display>issuing, or aiding and abetting in the issuance of, an order or prescription for a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="168" slineno="2-81"/>drug or device:<subsection ssid="1-null-32" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="169" slineno="2-82" level="4"><display>(A)</display>without first obtaining information in the usual course of professional <ln numlevel="1" lineno="170" slineno="2-83"/>practice, that is sufficient to establish a diagnosis, to identify conditions, and to <ln numlevel="1" lineno="171" slineno="2-84"/>identify contraindications to the proposed treatment; or</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-33" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="172" slineno="2-85" level="4"><display>(B)</display>with prescriptive authority conferred by an exception issued under this title, or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="173" slineno="2-86"/>a multi-state practice privilege recognized under this title, if the prescription <ln numlevel="1" lineno="174" slineno="2-87"/>was issued without first obtaining information, in the usual course of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="175" slineno="2-88"/>professional practice, that is sufficient to establish a diagnosis, to identify <ln numlevel="1" lineno="176" slineno="2-89"/>underlying conditions, and to identify contraindications to the proposed <ln numlevel="1" lineno="177" slineno="2-90"/>treatment;</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-34" dnum="xiv-o" numlevel="1" lineno="178" slineno="2-91" level="3" tab="1"><display>(xiv)</display>violating a provision of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="58-1-501.5">58-1-501.5</xref>;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-35" dnum="xv-o" numlevel="1" lineno="179" slineno="2-92" level="3" tab="1"><display>(xv)</display>violating the terms of an order governing a license; or</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-36" dnum="xvi-o" numlevel="1" lineno="180" slineno="2-93" level="3" tab="1"><display>(xvi)</display>violating Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="58-1-511">58-1-511</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-37" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="181" slineno="2-94" level="2"><display>(b)</display>"Unprofessional conduct" does not include:<subsection ssid="1-null-38" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="182" slineno="2-95" level="3"><display>(i)</display>a health care provider, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-3-403">78B-3-403</xref> and who is licensed under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="183" slineno="2-96"/>this title, deviating from medical norms or established practices if the conditions <ln numlevel="1" lineno="184" slineno="2-97"/>described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="58-1-501(5)">(5)</xref> are met; and</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-39" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="185" slineno="2-98" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>notwithstanding Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="58-1-501.6">58-1-501.6</xref>, a health care provider advertising that the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="186" slineno="2-99"/>health care provider deviates from medical norms or established practices, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="187" slineno="2-100"/>including the maladies the health care provider treats, if the health care provider:<subsection ssid="1-null-40" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="188" slineno="2-101" level="4"><display>(A)</display>does not guarantee any results regarding any health care service;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-41" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="189" slineno="2-102" level="4"><display>(B)</display>fully discloses on the health care provider's website that the health care <ln numlevel="1" lineno="190" slineno="2-103"/>provider deviates from medical norms or established practices with a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="191" slineno="2-104"/>conspicuous statement; and</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-42" dnum="C-o" numlevel="1" lineno="192" slineno="2-105" level="4"><display>(C)</display>includes the health care provider's contact information on the website.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-43" dnum="3-o" numlevel="1" lineno="193" slineno="2-106" level="1"><display>(3)</display>Unless otherwise specified by statute or administrative rule, in a civil or administrative <ln numlevel="1" lineno="194" slineno="2-107"/>proceeding commenced by the division under this title, a person subject to any of the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="195" slineno="2-108"/>unlawful and unprofessional conduct provisions of this title is strictly liable for each <ln numlevel="1" lineno="196" slineno="2-109"/>violation.</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-44" dnum="4-o" numlevel="1" lineno="197" slineno="2-110" level="1"><display>(4)</display>The following are not evidence of engaging in unprofessional conduct under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="58-1-501(2)(a)(iii)"><ln numlevel="1" lineno="198" slineno="2-111"/>(2)(a)(iii)</xref>:<subsection ssid="1-null-45" dnum="a-o" numlevel="1" lineno="199" slineno="2-112" level="2"><display>(a)</display>an arrest not followed by a conviction; or</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-46" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="200" slineno="2-113" level="2"><display>(b)</display>a conviction for which an individual's incarceration has ended more than five years <ln numlevel="1" lineno="201" slineno="2-114"/>before the date of the division's consideration, unless:<subsection ssid="1-null-47" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="202" slineno="2-115" level="3"><display>(i)</display>after the incarceration the individual has engaged in additional conduct that results <ln numlevel="1" lineno="203" slineno="2-116"/>in another conviction, a plea of nolo contendere, or a plea of guilty or nolo <ln numlevel="1" lineno="204" slineno="2-117"/>contendere that is held in abeyance pending the successful completion of <ln numlevel="1" lineno="205" slineno="2-118"/>probation; or</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-48" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="206" slineno="2-119" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>the conviction was for:<subsection ssid="1-null-49" dnum="A-o" numlevel="1" lineno="207" slineno="2-120" level="4"><display>(A)</display>a violent felony as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-3-203.5">76-3-203.5</xref>;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-50" dnum="B-o" numlevel="1" lineno="208" slineno="2-121" level="4"><display>(B)</display>a felony related to a criminal sexual act under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, <ln numlevel="1" lineno="209" slineno="2-122"/>Sexual Offenses, or Title 76, Chapter 5b, Sexual Exploitation Act; </subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-51" dnum="C-o" numlevel="1" lineno="210" slineno="2-123" level="4"><display>(C)</display>a felony related to criminal fraud or embezzlement, including a felony under <ln numlevel="1" lineno="211" slineno="2-124"/>Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 5, Fraud, or Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 4, Theft; or</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-52" dnum="D-o" numlevel="1" lineno="212" slineno="2-125" level="4"><display>(D)</display>a crime or a pattern of crimes that demonstrates a substantial potential to harm <ln numlevel="1" lineno="213" slineno="2-126"/>Utah patients or consumers, as may be determined by the director in a process <ln numlevel="1" lineno="214" slineno="2-127"/>defined by rule made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah <ln numlevel="1" lineno="215" slineno="2-128"/>Administrative Rulemaking Act.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-53" dnum="5-o" numlevel="1" lineno="216" slineno="2-129" level="1"><display>(5)</display>In accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="58-1-501(2)(b)(i)">(2)(b)(i)</xref>, a health care provider may deviate from <ln numlevel="1" lineno="217" slineno="2-130"/>medical norms or established practices if:<subsection ssid="1-null-54" dnum="a-o" numlevel="1" lineno="218" slineno="2-131" level="2"><display>(a)</display>the health care provider does not deviate outside of the health care provider's scope <ln numlevel="1" lineno="219" slineno="2-132"/>of practice and possesses the education, training, and experience to competently and <ln numlevel="1" lineno="220" slineno="2-133"/>safely administer the alternative health care service;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-55" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="221" slineno="2-134" level="2"><display>(b)</display>the health care provider does not provide an alternative health care service that is <ln numlevel="1" lineno="222" slineno="2-135"/>otherwise contrary to any state or federal law;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-56" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="223" slineno="2-136" level="2"><display>(c)</display>the alternative health care service has reasonable potential to be of benefit to the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="224" slineno="2-137"/>patient to whom the alternative health care service is to be given;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-57" dnum="d-o" numlevel="1" lineno="225" slineno="2-138" level="2"><display>(d)</display>the potential benefit of the alternative health care service outweighs the known <ln numlevel="1" lineno="226" slineno="2-139"/>harms or side effects of the alternative health care service;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-58" dnum="e-o" numlevel="1" lineno="227" slineno="2-140" level="2"><display>(e)</display>the alternative health care service is reasonably justified under the totality of the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="228" slineno="2-141"/>circumstances;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-59" dnum="f-o" numlevel="1" lineno="229" slineno="2-142" level="2"><display>(f)</display>after diagnosis but before providing the alternative health care service:<subsection ssid="1-null-60" dnum="i-o" numlevel="1" lineno="230" slineno="2-143" level="3"><display>(i)</display>the health care provider educates the patient on the health care services that are <ln numlevel="1" lineno="231" slineno="2-144"/>within the medical norms and established practices;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-61" dnum="ii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="232" slineno="2-145" level="3"><display>(ii)</display>the health care provider discloses to the patient that the health care provider is <ln numlevel="1" lineno="233" slineno="2-146"/>recommending an alternative health care service that deviates from medical norms <ln numlevel="1" lineno="234" slineno="2-147"/>and established practices;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-62" dnum="iii-o" numlevel="1" lineno="235" slineno="2-148" level="3"><display>(iii)</display>the health care provider discusses the rationale for deviating from medical norms <ln numlevel="1" lineno="236" slineno="2-149"/>and established practices with the patient;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-63" dnum="iv-o" numlevel="1" lineno="237" slineno="2-150" level="3"><display>(iv)</display>the health care provider discloses any potential risks associated with deviation <ln numlevel="1" lineno="238" slineno="2-151"/>from medical norms and established practices; and</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-64" dnum="v-o" numlevel="1" lineno="239" slineno="2-152" level="3"><display>(v)</display>the patient signs and acknowledges a notice of deviation; and</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-65" dnum="g-o" numlevel="1" lineno="240" slineno="2-153" level="2"><display>(g)</display>before providing an alternative health care service, the health care provider discloses <ln numlevel="1" lineno="241" slineno="2-154"/>to the patient that the patient may enter into an agreement describing what would <ln numlevel="1" lineno="242" slineno="2-155"/>constitute the health care provider's negligence related to deviation.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-66" dnum="6-o" numlevel="1" lineno="243" slineno="2-156" level="1"><display>(6)</display>As used in this section, "notice of deviation" means a written notice provided by a <ln numlevel="1" lineno="244" slineno="2-157"/>health care provider to a patient that:<subsection ssid="1-null-67" dnum="a-o" numlevel="1" lineno="245" slineno="2-158" level="2"><display>(a)</display>is specific to the patient;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-68" dnum="b-o" numlevel="1" lineno="246" slineno="2-159" level="2"><display>(b)</display>indicates that the health care provider is deviating from medical norms or established <ln numlevel="1" lineno="247" slineno="2-160"/>practices in the health care provider's recommendation for the patient's treatment;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-69" dnum="c-o" numlevel="1" lineno="248" slineno="2-161" level="2"><display>(c)</display>describes how the alternative health care service deviates from medical norms or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="249" slineno="2-162"/>established practices;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-70" dnum="d-o" numlevel="1" lineno="250" slineno="2-163" level="2"><display>(d)</display>describes the potential risks and benefits associated with the alternative health care <ln numlevel="1" lineno="251" slineno="2-164"/>service;</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-71" dnum="e-o" numlevel="1" lineno="252" slineno="2-165" level="2"><display>(e)</display>describes the health care provider's reasonably justified rationale regarding the <ln numlevel="1" lineno="253" slineno="2-166"/>reason for the deviation; and</subsection><subsection ssid="1-null-72" dnum="f-o" numlevel="1" lineno="254" slineno="2-167" level="2"><display>(f)</display>provides clear and unequivocal notice to the patient that the patient is agreeing to <ln numlevel="1" lineno="255" slineno="2-168"/>receive the alternative health care service which is outside medical norms and <ln numlevel="1" lineno="256" slineno="2-169"/>established practices.</subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-74" dnum="_-o:7-i" numlevel="1" lineno="257" slineno="2-170" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="1" space="false"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1102" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(7)</amend></display><subsection ssid="1-75" dnum="_-o:a-i" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="2" placement="sameline"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1103" style="1" owner="i" level="1">(a)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="28" groupid="24" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">As used in this Subsection <xref refnumber="1-74">(7)</xref>:</amend><subsection ssid="1-82" dnum="_-o:i-i" numlevel="1" lineno="258" slineno="2-171" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3" tab="1"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1104" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(i)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="59" groupid="49" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">"Diagnostic assessment" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53E-4-307"><ln numlevel="1" lineno="259" slineno="2-172"/>53E-4-307</xref>.</amend></subsection><subsection ssid="1-78" dnum="_-o:ii-i" numlevel="1" lineno="260" slineno="2-173" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3" tab="1"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1105" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(ii)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="37" groupid="31" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">"Dyslexia" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53E-4-307">53E-4-307</xref>.</amend></subsection><subsection ssid="1-76" dnum="_-o:iii-i" numlevel="1" lineno="261" slineno="2-174" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3" tab="1"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1106" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(iii)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="44" groupid="37" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">"Dyslexia assessment" means a diagnostic assessment or psychoeducational <ln numlevel="1" lineno="262" slineno="2-175"/>evaluation for the identification or diagnosis of dyslexia.</amend></subsection><subsection ssid="1-86" dnum="_-o:iv-i" numlevel="1" lineno="263" slineno="2-176" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3" tab="1"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1107" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(iv)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="75" groupid="62" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">"Mental health therapist" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="58-60-102"><ln numlevel="1" lineno="264" slineno="2-177"/>58-60-102</xref>.</amend></subsection><subsection ssid="1-84" dnum="_-o:v-i" numlevel="1" lineno="265" slineno="2-178" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="3" tab="1"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1108" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(v)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="54" groupid="45" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">"Qualified mental health therapist" means a mental health therapist who by <ln numlevel="1" lineno="266" slineno="2-179"/>education, training, and experience is qualified to administer a dyslexia <ln numlevel="1" lineno="267" slineno="2-180"/>assessment.</amend></subsection></subsection><subsection ssid="1-79" dnum="_-o:b-i" numlevel="1" lineno="268" slineno="2-181" ea="amend" anum="0" owner="jchristopherson" style="1" level="2"><display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1109" style="1" owner="i" level="1" amendtag="start">(b)</amend></display><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="41" groupid="34" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="end">Notwithstanding any other provision of this title it is not unlawful conduct or <ln numlevel="1" lineno="269" slineno="2-182"/>unprofessional conduct for a qualified mental health therapist to administer a dyslexia <ln numlevel="1" lineno="270" slineno="2-183"/>assessment.</amend></subsection></subsection></section></bsec><bsec buid="4" type="uncod" untype="effdate" src="uncod" uid="EF0000" sort="UZEFF" langlock="true" numlevel="1" lineno="271" slineno="3-1" sn="3"><section type="uncod" untype="effdate" display="false" src="uncod"><secline lineno="271">Section 3.  <bold>Effective Date.</bold></secline><sectionText lineno="272"><amend anum="0" ea="amend" pairid="1" groupid="1" style="1" owner="jchristopherson" level="1" amendtag="both">This bill takes effect on <effdate uid="code" date="5/6/2026">May 6, 2026</effdate>.</amend></sectionText></section></bsec></bdy><foot><rev><tm>1-6-26 12:27 PM</tm></rev></foot></leg>