A Resolution nicknamed by supporters as “Parker’s Bill” and sponsored by Senator Kevin Van Tassell and Representative Scott Chew was passed in the Utah State Legislature on Wednesday. Officially named SCR4: Concurrent Resolution on Deaths from Opioid-induced Postoperative Respiratory Depression, the Resolution urges further research on the potentially fatal effects of opioid use after surgery. It also urges physicians to prescribe in-home monitoring devices for patients who are discharged with opioids after surgery. This effort was initiated after the passing of Parker Stewart, a 21-year-old Vernal man, who passed away unexpectedly in his sleep just days after a tonsillectomy that he was recovering from just fine in December 2016. The possibility that his death was related to respiratory depression from his prescribed narcotics came to light as his family and his surgeon, Dr. Michael Catten, sought for answers to why this happened. Parker’s family and Dr. Catten have worked closely with Senator Van Tassell and Representative Chew to see the Resolution passed. Parker’s mother Yvonne Collett Gardner and his young widow Madilyn Stewart were able to participate on the floor during Wednesday’s proceedings. The Resolution will soon be signed into Utah law by Governor Gary Herbert.
