February 28, 2025
Nate Crippes / Public Affairs Supervising Attorney
ncrippes@disabilitylawcenter.org
Andrew Riggle / Public Policy Advocate
ariggle@disabilitylawcenter.org
(801) 363-1347 / (800) 662-9080
disabilitylawcenter.org
The DLC’s grateful for HB 276’s clarification of local mental health or substance use authority client rights, as well as those of individuals who find themselves in an inpatient facility. Particularly, we believe it’s critical these rights are only modifiable or waivable for a documented clinical or safety reason. We also think it’s crucial for an individual to be able to share information with or give permission to include a person of their choosing in conversations about their care. Likewise, we think it’s important they have an opportunity to talk with their attorney, their clergyperson, and/or a peer specialist/patient advocate.
We think Rep. Abbott for bringing HB 276 forward. We also appreciate the Utah State Hospital and the Utah Behavioral Healthcare Committee for helping make it workable in the real world. We hope it’s a small step toward improving the experience of and outcomes for Utahns using the state’s behavioral health systems.
Thank you for considering our support.