State regulators have revoked the license for Provo Canyon School’s Springville campus after an investigation determined staff failed to protect juveniles receiving treatment at the facility. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services took action against the intensive psychiatric youth residential treatment center, citing multiple noncompliance issues.
The revocation, which took effect on a Monday, follows what officials described as chronic and ongoing noncompliance with applicable rules, statutes, and requirements. According to the department's revocation document, the action was taken due to the provider's failure to provide necessary health and safety services for clients.
Shannon Thoman-Black, director of the Division of Licensing and Background Checks for DHHS, stated that the department's involvement escalated following a complaint in January 2025. Thoman-Black explained that while the department initially used conditional licensing to help providers reach compliance, subsequent investigations revealed more substantiated findings of noncompliance.
Documents from the revocation letter detail several incidents dating back to early 2025. On January 22, 2025, the provider was cited for withholding material information regarding an event involving more than 10 clients and assaults on both staff and clients. The letter noted that the provider admitted to being hesitant to submit restraint details in writing because those documents are public.
Additional findings listed in the July 6, 2026, revocation letter included allegations of unnecessary restraint and aggressive physical contact with a client. The department also cited failures to maintain proper staff-to-client ratios, failure to report critical incidents within one day, and failure to ensure clients were free from neglect, discrimination, or acts of violence.
Utah State Senator Mike McKell stated that the revocation reflects the gravity of the situation. While acknowledging that the government process can be slower than desired, McKell said he intends to review the facts and the process to see how it can be improved through legislation. He noted that the safety of children remains a primary concern.
Provo Canyon School officials have 15 days to request an administrative hearing. The facility is scheduled to close on August 6.
