Update on our efforts to improve patient care in Utah

Utah currently does not have a Heart Attack Facility Designation in place, and we are looking to change that soon, either through legislation or rulemaking.

As it happens, recent legislation triggered the moving of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) over to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This move has necessitated the opening of relevant code around Specialty Facility Designations, exactly where our Heart Attack Facility Designation code would be housed. We are taking this opportunity to recommend DHHS/DPS adopt requirements of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Heart Attack Centers approved nationally recognized certifications, like that of the AHA/ACC. Additionally, we are recommending the Stroke Facility Designation rule is updated to include thrombectomy-capable facilities. While this comment period may come and go without our recommendations being adopted, we have an incredible opportunity to jump-start this effort and develop an inclusive stakeholder process to help ensure this effort’s success through rulemaking or the 2025 legislative session.