"This has clearly been an interesting process this legislative session. I firmly believe that all of us involved in this process have had the best interests of the people of the state of Utah at our core," Nelson said. "Clearly there are concerns. Yet we're excited about the opportunity we'll have now to share our perspective and share the data to demonstrate the effect that Intermountain Health Care has had."

The compromise included an interesting concession to Waddoups, who has seen his effort to gain support for SB61 derailed by a massive public relations campaign targeted at defeating the bill. The campaign has included full-page newspaper ads and radio and television spots, as well as an overwhelming presence of IHC employees at committee hearings.

In signing off on the agreement, IHC agreed to communicate its support of the deal "in substantially the same manner in which it informed its employees, customers and citizens of the state" regarding its concern over SB61.

Nelson said it wasn't difficult to agree to the request because IHC officials support the inquiry.

The bill passed the Senate quickly later in the day, 25-0-4.

The fate of SB34, sponsored by Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, remains up in the air. Compromised by a fiscal note of more than $2 million that Buttars said is "grossly" exaggerated, the proposal would have Utah implement an "Any Willing Provider" law that would allow patients to access medical care of their choice, as long as the provider accepts 95 percent of the payment of the insurance's plan.

The bill has passed the Senate but awaits action in the House. If it is defeated, Buttars vows to bring it back next year.

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