Utah Legislature: Committee OKs doctor notification bill

SALT LAKE CITY — A Senate committee unanimously passed a bill Wednesday that would require the state to notify doctors if their patients are convicted of driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

The bill, which has been approved by the House, is designed to help physicians manage their patients' prescription drug use.

Lindon police officer Darrell Bingham said research has found that many doctors may not be adequately explaining the dangers of driving while using certain medications.

"We found that, in many cases, these conversations are simply not happening," Bingham said.

Doctors will appreciate the additional information, said Utah Academy of Family Physicians executive director Wayne Jones.

"Doctors want to know about problems with their patients, and good doctors want good outcomes for them," Jones said.

— Josh Smith