UtahH.B. 2642026 General SessionHouse

Prescription Medication Amendments

Sponsored By: Raymond P. Ward (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Health and Human ServicesHealth CareHealth Care FacilitiesLabor and EmploymentHealth Care ProfessionalsDepartment of Health and Human ServicesPharmaciesPublic HealthPharmacistsPharmaceuticalsOccupational and Professional Licensing

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Patients get longer prescription refill windows

Beginning May 6, 2026, refill-authorized prescriptions have a two-year refill window from their original issue date, instead of one year. Refills are barred after that two-year limit, subject to the existing statutory exception. The separate one-year limit on dispensing a prescription remains unchanged, so this change alone does not permit dispensing beyond it. Utah’s controlled-substance rules also remain unchanged.

More drug choices, fewer prescriber notices

Beginning May 6, 2026, prescribers can authorize similar-drug substitutions, and purchasers must request or agree to the change. The replacement must be on Utah’s approved list as a substitute for the prescribed drug. It must lower patient costs, have preferred or same-or-lower-tier insurance coverage, replace an unavailable drug, or offer a patient-and-pharmacist-agreed benefit. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns no longer must notify prescribers about these substitutions for prescriptions intended to last longer than 30 days. Removing that notice requirement does not change the conditions for substitution.

Utah limits state standing medication orders

Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah’s health department can issue standing prescription drug orders only for clearly defined medical uses. The medication must be FDA-approved for the diagnosis, and its use must be clinically appropriate. These requirements provide safety safeguards but limit which uses the department can cover through standing orders.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Raymond P. Ward
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Evan J. Vickers
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 0

House vote • 2/20/2026

House/ concurs with Senate amendment

Yes: 72 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 25 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Senate/ floor amendment

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 24 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 2/6/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 69 • No: 0

House vote • 1/27/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 12 • No: 0