UtahS.B. 1172026 General SessionSenateWALLET

Occupational and Professional Licensing Amendments

Sponsored By: Scott D. Sandall (Republican)

Signed by Governor

BusinessLabor and EmploymentOccupational and Professional Licensing

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

57 provisions identified: 18 benefits, 19 costs, 20 mixed.

Higher fines for licensing violations

Beginning July 1, 2026, the director can fine up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $2,000 for a second. For ongoing violations, fines can reach up to $2,000 per day. You get written notice and 20 days to contest. The Division cannot cite more than one year after a violation is reported.

Stricter rules for chiropractic licenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, chiropractors face tighter licensing and discipline rules. Applicants must have two years of college, a chiropractic doctorate from an accredited school, pass national and Utah exams, and complete a criminal background check. The law lists more acts as unprofessional conduct, like poor records or paying for referrals. If you refuse a required exam or a court finds you incompetent, your license can be suspended or revoked, with suspensions up to five years.

Tougher rules for deception exam careers

Beginning July 1, 2026, deception detection examiners need a bachelor’s degree or 8,000 hours approved experience, plus at least 1 year as a licensed intern and 100 supervised exams. Interns must file a supervision agreement, complete approved training, and pass a background check. Deception exam administrators must have an associate degree or equivalent experience, finish manufacturer training for certification, and pass a background check.

Easier paths to a Utah license

Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah issues a license by endorsement if your out‑of‑state license is similar, you have at least 1 year of experience, and it is in good standing. If you are close but need more review or education, the division can issue a limited supervised training permit when you have a job offer and required supervision. Out‑of‑state architects may offer services after giving written disclosures and notifying the division, but may not practice in Utah until licensed.

Social worker practice and supervision rules

Clinical social workers may practice clinical social work without supervision. Certified social workers need supervision when doing mental health therapy but may practice without supervision when not doing therapy. They may run a private practice if they do not provide unsupervised psychotherapy and may supervise social service workers as allowed by rule.

Safer drug products and compounding

Starting July 1, 2026, sellers cannot buy or sell items labeled "sample" or "not for resale," except where the law allows. Pharmacies generally cannot take back and redistribute drugs once they leave the pharmacy. Makers and sellers cannot misbrand, adulterate, or sell outdated drugs or devices. Pharmacists and interns may not compound drugs that manufacturers already sell in the same form and strength.

Stronger pharmacy staffing and safety rules

Starting July 1, 2026, employers cannot make pharmacy staff break the law. Interns and technicians cannot be asked to work outside their training or license. People who give medicines must have required training and follow orders and protocols. Pharmacies must have a licensed pharmacist in charge. Licensees and their agents must protect patient privacy and not break HIPAA.

Tougher rules on prescriptions and licensing

Beginning July 1, 2026, pharmacies may only dispense drugs with a valid prescription or as allowed by Treatment Access rules. Dispensers must refuse fills they know or should know are fraudulent. It is illegal to get drugs by fraud or to possess them for an unlawful purpose. Only licensed entities may fill for Utah residents or traffic in prescription drugs. Businesses cannot use pharmacy titles or names unless licensed; stores that only sell nonprescription drugs may use limited signs.

Easier, integrated prescription database access

Beginning July 1, 2026, the division lets approved electronic systems show prescription data to authorized users. It sets rules on who can access the data and how it is protected. In emergency rooms, a hospital’s chosen employee may pull a patient’s record for the treating practitioner; the division gives that employee a unique password and may charge a fee to cover a background check. The division also adjusts auto‑logoff to protect privacy and keep the system usable, especially in ERs.

Sex-crime bar for massage owners

Beginning July 1, 2026, the division must deny registration for a massage establishment if the owner has certain sexual‑offense convictions or pending charges. The division may add more disqualifying crimes by rule.

Some certification paths end 2026

On July 1, 2026, the state repeals certain certification routes, including paths for people currently qualified or qualified in other jurisdictions, and a behavioral‑health experience transition rule. If you planned to use those sections, you need a different path to qualify.

Stronger penalties for program contract violations

Beginning July 1, 2026, if a licensee violates a program contract, lies, or breaks a law or rule, the director must end the contract and put the license on probation after a hearing. For very serious misconduct, the director may revoke the license. Discipline can apply to misconduct from before, during, or after program participation.

Pharmacies face address and background checks

Beginning July 1, 2026, each pharmacy license ties to one address. To move, you must request the change at least 90 days before operating at the new site. The pharmacist‑in‑charge or pharmacy manager must complete a criminal background check. Class D pharmacy managers must also complete state and FBI checks and disclose criminal history.

New compliance for security companies

Beginning July 1, 2026, armored car and contract security companies must keep general liability and workers’ comp insurance, and stay registered with tax and employment agencies. Owners and managers must give fingerprints, pass a criminal background check, and disclose criminal history. The division sets license fees by rule and may require FBI records reviews. Expect ongoing paperwork, premiums, and fees to keep a license.

Stricter conduct rules for pharmacy staff

Beginning July 1, 2026, breaking cannabis production or medical cannabis research rules is unprofessional conduct under pharmacy law. Making or altering a medical record to hide wrongdoing is also unprofessional conduct. Violations can lead to discipline.

Stricter conduct rules for providers

Beginning July 1, 2026, more actions count as unprofessional conduct for doctors, physician assistants, dentists, hygienists, optometrists, and health facility administrators. Examples include false or missing reports, poor sanitation, refusing inspections, confidentiality breaches, improper or non‑medical prescribing, paying for referrals, failing to give contact lens prescriptions, and falsifying records. Certain acts like illegal abortions and surgeries on a minor’s sex characteristics also trigger discipline. Dispensers must also follow standing‑order rules when giving self‑administered hormonal birth control.

Alternative treatments with written consent

Beginning July 1, 2026, providers may offer care that differs from usual practice if it is within their skill, not illegal, and likely helps more than it harms. Before doing so, they must explain standard treatments, disclose the different approach and its risks, explain why, and get your signed notice of deviation. Providers may advertise these options if they include clear facts and contact details.

Chiropractic care: allowed and banned acts

Beginning July 1, 2026, chiropractic physicians may use x‑ray and order MRI, CT, and ultrasound for diagnosis only. They may use certain physical agents, exercises, wound care, and some topical medicines. They may not do surgery, treat cancer, practice obstetrics, use x‑ray therapy, set displaced fractures, or give prescription drugs beyond allowed topicals. Only physicians, osteopathic physicians, naturopaths, and chiropractors may manipulate the spine, each within their license.

Discipline timelines and capacity rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the division usually must start a discipline case within four years of a report and cannot act more than 10 years after the conduct, with a short window after court judgments. The division can suspend a license right away if a court finds the person incapacitated or mentally ill and unsafe to practice. The division cannot punish someone just for seeking mental health or substance‑use treatment. Entry into the impaired‑licensee program is limited to substance use disorders or formal referrals, and denials cannot be appealed.

New psychology licensing and safety rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, you must be licensed to practice psychology, and certified to join a supervised residency. The division cannot deny or restrict a psychology license just because someone seeks mental health or substance abuse treatment. If a court finds a licensee incapacitated or unsafe to practice, the director must immediately suspend the license and give written notice. The division and a majority of the board can order a mental or physical exam at the licensee’s expense. It is unlawful to practice or claim to be a psychologist or certified resident without proper licensure or training.

New training rules for mental health workers

Beginning July 1, 2026, clinical supervisors must be licensed therapists, complete at least 8 hours of supervisor instruction, keep CE in supervision, and meet new approval standards by January 1, 2027. Clinical mental health counselor applicants need at least 60 graduate credits, 1,200 direct client‑care hours, 100 hours of direct supervision, 25 hours of observation, and 2 hours of suicide‑prevention training. Substance use disorder licenses have set hour minimums, including a 200‑hour program for entry‑level and 1,200 direct client‑care hours for some advanced roles. A temporary externship license lets qualified applicants with coursework gaps provide supervised therapy while finishing requirements. Direct supervision for SUD counselors is at least 1 hour per 40 hours of client care.

Stricter background checks and privacy rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Division can pull local criminal files directly and see convictions, pleas held in abeyance, dismissals, and charges without a known outcome. If a post‑license check shows you hid a criminal history, the Division may revoke your license immediately. At the same time, the Division may not share BCI or FBI criminal history outside the Division.

Stronger licensing background checks and reviews

Beginning July 1, 2026, license applicants must give fingerprints and consent to BCI and FBI checks. You must also pay the BCI and FBI fingerprint fees. The division may charge a fee if you ask for a written ruling on whether your criminal record blocks licensure. If a license is automatically revoked for nondisclosure, you can get a hearing. If a denial is based only on a conviction, the division must review your case and consider rehabilitation and time passed. Dietitians using the compact must complete a background check and meet any added standards.

Stricter in office dispensing; optometrists included

Beginning July 1, 2026, the division audits and inspects licensed in‑office dispensing practices and may issue fines and citations for violations. Optometrists are now counted as dispensing practitioners when state law lets them prescribe and they practice at a licensed dispensing site.

Inspections and exceptions for precursor sales

Beginning July 1, 2026, regulators and law enforcement may inspect regulated distributor and purchaser sites during business hours, audit records, and check precursor inventories. The law also exempts some transactions from licensure and records, like lawful OTC ephedrine/pseudoephedrine sales, two ounces or less of crystal iodine in a compliant sale, some licensed practitioner purchases, and products not for human use.

Broader inspection powers for drug facilities

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law updates controlled‑substance definitions and clarifies which places count as controlled premises. Inspectors can get administrative warrants that name the place, purpose, and property and must return them within 10 days unless extended. With a warrant, officials can copy required records, inspect equipment, and take samples. Financial, sales (except shipment), and pricing data are off‑limits without written consent.

Stronger rules for prescription database

Beginning July 1, 2026, only listed users may access the state prescription database. The Division sets identity checks and limits on who can see data. Practitioners can name employees to check it, but those employees must pass a background check. Knowingly accessing the database without permission is a class A misdemeanor.

Opioid prescribers must check database

Beginning July 1, 2026, prescribers must check the state database before a first-time Schedule II or III opioid. If they keep prescribing to the same patient, they must review records from time to time. Prescribers may assign these checks to employees and may use an approved EHR link that shows the data clearly. Dispensers must try to contact the prescriber if records suggest possible overuse. A prescriber is not in violation during an emergency, a database outage, or internet failure. The division cannot punish missed checks that happened before Dec. 31, 2018, or before an approved EHR link existed.

New behavioral health board and roles

Beginning July 1, 2026, a Behavioral Health Board oversees behavioral‑health and psychology licenses and runs three advisory committees. The law defines the roles of behavioral health coaches and technicians, who work under a mental health therapist’s supervision. Supervisors of SUD counselors must be qualified and usually may directly supervise no more than six people unless granted a written exception. Psychology license types are clarified, including prescribing‑psychologist certifications.

Kickbacks banned; limited rebate exceptions

Beginning July 1, 2026, paying or taking kickbacks for patient referrals is unprofessional. Three exceptions apply: volume‑based price discounts, passing through a drug maker’s rebate, and paying a veterinarian for services. Other parts of the kickback ban still apply.

Medical assistants in podiatry clinics

Beginning July 1, 2026, medical assistants may work under indirect supervision of a podiatric physician. They may do only properly delegated tasks. They cannot do surgery or prescribe drugs. They may give only a local anesthetic.

Volunteer health care license pathway

Beginning July 1, 2026, you can get a volunteer health care license if you serve only as a volunteer. You must show a prior unrestricted license and no serious discipline. A supervising professional must file a delegation agreement. The agreement must set supervision and scope and ban self, family, or staff controlled‑substance prescribing.

Cosmetic procedure scope now clarified

Beginning July 1, 2026, laser tattoo removal is not treated as an ablative procedure. The law also defines cryolipolysis as a non‑ablative cold fat‑reduction procedure. These definitions guide licensing and scope decisions.

Cosmetic-procedure rule carve-out for surgeons

Beginning July 1, 2026, the “cosmetic medical procedure” definition does not limit the scope of a licensee who is authorized to perform surgery (outside the medical and osteopathic chapters). This keeps surgical scope intact for those licensees.

Peer review before license discipline

Beginning July 1, 2026, before starting a disciplinary action, the division must get a review from at least three licensees from that profession’s board. This adds a peer review step before formal action.

Prescription database use can cut training

Beginning July 1, 2026, the division tracks each prescriber’s and dispenser’s use of the prescription database. If your use shows strong compliance, the division may reduce or waive opioid‑related continuing education. The division also reviews opioid prescribing patterns and offers voluntary education. Identification or acceptance cannot be used in discipline.

Small changes for trainers and chiropractic aides

Beginning July 1, 2026, unpaid or emergency helpers who do not call themselves athletic trainers do not need an athletic trainer license. The law also recognizes a supervised "chiropractic assistant" role under a licensed chiropractor, with duties set by rule.

More alerts and access to prescription data

Beginning July 1, 2026, probation and parole officers may access prescription data needed to supervise a specific person without a search warrant. The division must alert prescribers within five business days after a hospital overdose report or a DUI conviction involving a prescribed controlled substance.

Overdose reports shared with prescribers

Beginning July 1, 2026, when a death from a prescribed controlled substance is reported, the division must send the report to each identified prescriber within five business days. The division may offer a voluntary educational visit. A prescriber may decline, and the information from the visit cannot be used in licensing actions.

Protects pharmacy trade secrets

Beginning July 1, 2026, trade‑secret methods or processes obtained under the pharmacy chapter stay confidential. They may be shared only with the division, the board, or a court when relevant.

No discipline for trials and cannabis care

Beginning July 1, 2026, a physician who follows the investigational‑drug law is not committing unprofessional conduct for treating an eligible patient with a trial drug or device. Actions taken under the state medical cannabis chapter are also not unprofessional when done by authorized providers who follow that chapter. The division will set detailed cannabis conduct rules.

Overdose teams can carry naloxone

Beginning July 1, 2026, overdose outreach providers may obtain, store, and give opioid overdose medicine. They must follow the state’s treatment access rules.

Acupuncturist license: certification, exam, fee

Beginning July 1, 2026, acupuncturist applicants must show current national certification (or equivalent), pass the division exam, and have informed‑consent procedures. The division sets the license fee.

Geologists must review work before sealing

Beginning July 1, 2026, a professional geologist may seal only work they prepared, supervised, or thoroughly reviewed and corrected. The licensee is responsible for compliance before final submission to a client or public authority.

Longer wait on criminal-record review

Beginning July 1, 2026, the division has 90 days (not 30) to tell you in writing if your criminal record disqualifies you from a license, after it gets your complete request.

Stricter athlete-agent registration rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, athlete‑agent applicants must file detailed information under penalty of perjury. The division may deny registration for conduct that shows unfitness, such as certain crimes, fraud, or prior suspensions. Registration lasts two years. Agents already registered in another state may use that state’s papers plus a statement of changes.

Tighter rules for court reporters

Beginning July 1, 2026, to be a state‑certified court reporter you must apply, pay the fee, show high skill, and prove you passed either the national Registered Professional Reporter exam or the Certified Verbatim Reporter exam.

Training and checks for armed guards

Beginning July 1, 2026, armed private security officer applicants must not be barred from firearm possession under federal law. You must complete at least 8 hours of basic training and 12 hours of firearms training, pass the division exam, and complete a criminal background check.

Fee for staff background checks

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you designate an employee for certain controlled‑substance duties, the division may charge you a fee for that employee’s background check and security‑risk review.

Higher standards for security company leaders

Beginning July 1, 2026, qualifying agents for armored car and contract security companies must be state residents and day‑to‑day managers or owners. They cannot be a qualifying agent for another company or be a government employee. They must pass an exam and show 6,000 hours of paid management or acceptable supervisory experience.

Stricter accountability for pharmacy licensees

Starting July 1, 2026, licensees must be honest with the board and division and report adverse actions from other agencies. They must not block inspections and must surrender a revoked, suspended, or refused license on demand. It is unprofessional to take pay for acts that break the chapter or to violate controlled‑substance laws. Regulated providers also may not use prescription or controlled drugs not lawfully prescribed to them.

Rules for buying contact lenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, stores may sell contact lenses from a permanent business location with a valid prescription or verified prescription. Sellers must keep patient and verification records for at least seven years. Licensed help is not required if these conditions are met.

PDMP training, test fee, and alerts

To register to use the prescription database, you must finish an online tutorial and pass a test. You must answer all questions correctly; you can retake wrong parts right away. The division charges a fee to cover the tutorial and test costs. You may also ask the division to notify a chosen third party when your controlled substance prescription is filled; the notice shows only that it was filled and the date. You can later ask to stop these notices.

Pharmacy board and license timing

Starting July 1, 2026, pharmacy licenses generally last two years. The Division may shift a term by up to one year to stagger renewals. Intern licenses are limited in length and usually do not renew; extensions are possible. A Class D compounding pharmacy must submit its latest inspection report to renew. The Pharmacy Board will have five pharmacists, one pharmacy technician, and one public member who meets strict independence rules.

Practice forms for osteopathic doctors

Beginning July 1, 2026, an osteopathic physician still practices under an individual license. You may run the practice as a sole proprietor, partner, LLC, corporation, or similar form allowed by rule. Only a Utah‑licensed physician may direct or interfere with the medical practice.

Repeal of medical-care immunity section

On July 1, 2026, the statute on reporting the adequacy and quality of medical care and related immunity (Section 58‑13‑5) is repealed. Those reporting and immunity rules no longer apply.

Coaches and techs cannot do therapy

Beginning July 1, 2026, behavioral health coaches may not do mental health therapy. Behavioral health technicians may not do mental health therapy or serve as designated examiners. These roles stay with licensed clinicians.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Scott D. Sandall
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

A. Cory Maloy
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 138 • No: 0

House vote • 2/11/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 67 • No: 0

House vote • 2/4/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/23/2026

Senate/ substituted

Yes: 0 • No: 0