Update on SB 31: Language Regarding Surgery

Posted about 7 hours ago by Amy Baird

Good morning!

A substitute bill has been filed for SB 31. https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0031.html. You can see it by clicking on "Substitute #2" on the right side of the page.

Former Senator Bramble worked to have the language regarding surgery changed to match what is in SB 27/SB 28, but we were unable to make that change. They wanted to include a list of approved surgical procedures but we fought that.

As a concession, they have put in language that allows PAs to perform minor surgical procedures until July 1, 2027. The hope is that we can find a mutually agreeable resolution by then. This will temporarily fix the problem, but we will need to work to find a lasting solution.

Thanks to the Lockhart Group for their work to ensure PAs can continue performing surgical procedures.

Here are the significant changes:

Lines 17 to 20

▸permits an advanced practice registered nurse and a physician assistant to perform minor surgical procedures; repeals the authority of an advanced practice registered nurse and a physician assistant to perform minor surgical procedures on July 1, 2027;

Lines 2114-211958-70a-501 Effective 05/06/26.

Scope of practice. (1)(a)A physician assistant may provide any medical services that are not specificallyprohibited under this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter, and that are within the physician assistant's skills and scope of competence .(b)Notwithstanding Sections 58-67-805 and 58-68-805, a physician assistant may perform minor surgical procedures.