Protection for parents on health care backed

A new version of a bill intended to protect parental choices in health-care decisions made for children was given preliminary approval from the Senate Monday by a vote of 26-0-3. A similar proposal failed to pass the 2004 Legislature.

SB83, sponsored by Sen. Dave Thomas, R-South Weber, would change the standard of review for a parental decision that is contested by state officials.

The bill, which is now up for final approval, also would allow for a second opinion on health care.

"Currently, I think parents believe they have a say on treatment," Thomas said. "Many would be surprised to find that in the end, they really don't have that kind of say on medical decisions, at least legally."