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The state's top health official is leaving the post.

David Patton, executive director of the Utah Department of Health, is stepping down to do corporate work.

The governor's office announced the resignation Wednesday.

Patton, 62, led the state agency for four years, including spearheading Gov. Gary Herbert's alternative for expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

"Healthy Utah" has yet to win over Utah's Republican lawmakers, who have said they hope to strike a deal with Herbert by August, their self-imposed deadline.

In a statement, the governor said Patton "has worked tirelessly through a number of challenges, most notably to find the best way to bring healthcare coverage to the most vulnerable among us while respecting the contributions of the Utah taxpayer."

He also praised Patton for overseeing statewide responses to outbreaks of measles and pertussis, among other public health concerns.

Patton said in a statement that "it has been an exciting and rewarding time to be immersed in health policy and the governor's health initiatives."

His last day is July 31. The governor's office will begin a national search for a new director.

Annie Knox