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SALT LAKE CITY — The House Transportation Committee advanced a bill Friday amending the burden imposed by forms for diabetics seeking to renew their drivers' licenses.
"Far, far too many people having to fill out this form in their doctor's office when the cost was not really necessary," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful.
HB184 makes it far easier for doctors to choose when their patients need a follow-up. They could be good to drive for five years if they only have hypertension or a non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Current law makes diabetics get annual follow-ups, even if their condition is manageable.
Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-Alpine, said there are too many doctor's visits being billed to insurance and too much unnecessary paperwork for the state Driver License Division to chase around.
"Many of the laws currently on the books operate in an outdated and unnecessary fashion because many people with diabetetes can manage their diabetes," said Gary Thorup, representing the American Diabetes Association.
The committee advanced the bill unanimously.
