2022 IMA Bill Tracker

This tracker lists all the legislation IMA is monitoring and provides status updates, IMA will update this list every Friday

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Steve Harris (R-Meridian), Rep. Mike Moyle (R-Star), Sen. Jim Rice (R-Caldwell), and Sen. Scott Grow (R-Eagle). The bill would consolidate income tax brackets to four with the rates of 1%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6%. The bill also lowers the corporate tax rate to 6% and provides a one-time tax rebate to Idahoans at no less than $75 or 12% of the 2020 personal income tax, whichever is greater.

Status: LAW

HB 444:CORONAVIRUS IMMUNITY, SUNSET DATE - SUPPORT

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot) and would extend the liability protections for employers in relation to COVID-19 that were passed during the special session in August 2020. The existing law is set to expire on July 1 of this year, and HB 444 extends that to July 1, 2023.

Status: LAW

HB 445: STORAGE OF BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS - SUPPORT

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) and would repeal a section of Idaho law that requires vaccinations to be stored at a specific temperature. Due to evolving science, vaccines can now be stored at varying temperatures making this law obsolete.

Status: LAW

HB 446: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, NABIXIMOLS- SUPPORT

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Fred Wood (R-Burley) and Sen. Fred Martin (Boise). The bill would exclude nabiximols from the definition of marijuana if it is in product form and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug would be allowed for consumption pending FDA approval, DEA scheduling, and a valid prescription from a licensed provider.

Status: LAW

HB 464: COVID VACCINE, WORKERS’ COMP

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa). The bill would specify that injuries related to employer-mandated vaccines are eligible for workers’ compensation laws in Idaho and companies that mandate vaccinations and have employees who are injured from a mandated vaccine may be subject to negative experience ratings. These ratings would impact their workers’ compensation premiums.

Status: Returned to committee and will not proceed this session – replaced by HB 593

HB 483: CONVERSION THERAPY, PROHIBITION

The legislation was introduced by Rep. John McCrostie (D-Boise) and Sen. Grant Burgoyne (D-Boise) and would prohibit licensed mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy for a patient under the age of 18. Conversion therapy is defined as any practice that seeks to change the patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Status: The bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee

HB 486: MED TREATMENT, MINORS, REPEAL - OPPOSE

The bill was introduced by Rep. Priscilla Giddings (R-White Bird) and would repeal Idaho law that allows an individual over the age of 14 to give their own consent to receive medical treatment if the individual has come in contact with any infectious, contagious, or communicable disease.

Status: The bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee

HB 491: PERSONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION - OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Tammy Nichols (R-Middleton) and would prohibit employers from asking about employees’ medical information such as vaccinations.

Status: The bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee

HB 502: IMMUNIZATION REGISTRY, OPT-IN – OPPOSE

This legislation was introduced by Rep. Greg Ferch (R-Boise) and would change the immunization registry from an opt-out option to requiring patients to opt-in.

Status: The bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee

HB 514: MASK MANDATES, PROHIBITION - OPPOSE

This legislation was introduced by Rep. Karey Hanks (R-St. Anthony) and would prohibit the state and political subdivisions from requiring masks or face shields for the purpose of preventing the spread of an infectious or contagious disease. The legislation exempts hospitals and health care facilities.

Status: Returned to committee and will not proceed this session – replaced by HB 631

HB 515: STATE PERSONNEL, PUBLIC HEALTH

Status: LAW

HB 516: PUBLIC HEALTH, STATE PERSONNEL

This legislation was introduced by Lori Wolff, the Division Administrator for Human Resources and would clarify a bill that was passed in 2021 due to Public Health Districts’ employees no longer being employees of the state. Specifically, this legislation allows Public Health Districts to establish a personnel system for their employees

Status: LAW

HB 521: ABORTION

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot) and would remove language in Idaho law that is inconsistent with abortion legislation that has been passed in the last four years. This language would only become effective if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned by the U.S Supreme Court.

Status: LAW

HB 561: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise) and Rep. Terry Gestrin (R-Donnelly) and would expand the use of grant funding for emergency medical services to allow for training, licensing, technology, and personnel.

Status: LAW

HB 562: PHARMACISTS, DRUG OUTLETS

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Marco Erickson (R–Idaho Falls), Sen. Fred Martin (R-Boise) and Rep. Sue Chew (D-Boise). HB 562 would consolidate drug outlet registration categories in an effort to simplify and streamline the process.

Status: LAW

HB 577: RELIGION, VACCINE EXEMPTIONS – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot). If an employer has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement in place, this bill would require the employer to bear the burden of proof in the occasion of a denial for a religious exemption.

Status: The bill has been referred to the House State Affairs Committee

HB 578: REQUIRED IMMUNIZATION LIABILITY ACT – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and Sen. Lori Den Hartog (R-Meridian) and would hold an employer liable for damages or injuries if the employer requires their employees to receive an immunization as a condition of employment and the employee applied for an exemption from said immunization and their exemption was denied.

Status: The bill has been referred to the House Business Committee

HB 579: MEDICAL INFORMATION, EMPLOYERS – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and would prohibit an employee from being required to disclose medical information to their employer, such as vaccine records, unless it is required for certain exemptions at the workplace under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Status: Passed the House Business Committee and now awaits further action on the House floor

HB 581: EMPLOYEE MED INFO PROTECTION ACT – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Charlie Shepherd (R-Pollock) and would prohibit employers from classifying employees or changing their employment opportunities because of their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Status: Passed the House by a vote of 39-29 and awaits further consideration by the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee

HB 593: COVID VACCINE, WORKERS’ COMP- OPPOSE

The legislation replaces HB 464 and was introduced by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa). The bill would specify that injuries related to employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccines are eligible for workers’ compensation laws in Idaho and the workers’ compensation claim must be viewed in the most favorable light to the employee.

Status: The bill has been referred to the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee

HB 601: ASSISTED LIVING, IN PERSON VISITS

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot) and would require immediate in-person visitation rights to individuals in residential care or assisted living facilities but also allow for visitors to be subject to precautions such as health screenings for infectious disease and requiring personal protective equipment.

Status: The bill passed the House by a vote of 49-17 and was assigned to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee

HB 603: HOSPITAL DISTRICT PROPERTY

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Rod Furniss (R-Rigby) and would update the statute to allow district hospitals the same options already available to county hospitals to lease or sell property to a qualified non-profit for the continuity of service in the community

Status: LAW

HB 604: IMMUNIZATION, PROOF, GOVERNMENT – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and would prohibit the state from requiring vaccination to receive services, enter government buildings, or maintain employment with the state.

Status: The bill was referred to House State Affairs Committee – replaced by HB 708

HB 613: OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING, CORONAVIRUS – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Gayann DeMordaunt (R-Eagle) and would prohibit licensing boards from disciplining physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or pharmacists who recommend or prescribe drugs that have not been approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19. The bill also prohibits pharmacists from blocking the dispensing of non-FDA approved drugs for COVID-19. The bill also has a provision that forces hospitals and other health care facilities to allow a patient to use non-FDA approved drugs for COVID-19 in their facilities if the patient requests and is prescribed the drug.

Status: The bill was referred to House Health and Welfare Committee

HB 631: MASK MANDATES, PROHIBITION - OPPOSE

This legislation replaces HB 514 and was introduced by Rep. Karey Hanks (R-St. Anthony). The bill would prohibit the state and political subdivisions from requiring masks or face shields for the purpose of preventing the spread of an infectious or contagious disease. The legislation exempts hospitals and health care facilities. The main change from HB 514 is the removal of penalties for not complying with a mask prohibition.

Status: The bill passed the House by a vote of 46-24 and was assigned to the Senate State Affairs Committee

HB 632: HUMAN RIGHTS, IMMUNIZATION – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Tammy Nichols (R-Middleton) and would provide that a person shall not be denied access to medical services for that person's condition, disease, or injury based on COVID-19 vaccination status or a current or past COVID-19 infection.

Status: The bill was referred to House Health and Welfare Committee

HB 633: EXECUTION, CONFIDENTIALITY

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Greg Chaney (R-Caldwell) and Sen. Todd Lakey (R-Nampa) and would provide legal protection from discovery or disclosure for certain persons and entities to carry out the death penalty. It also protects individuals from license board discipline because of their involvement in carrying out the death penalty.

Status: The bill was replaced by HB 658

HB 661: IDHW (MEDICAID) APPROPRIATION SUPPLEMENTAL

The legislation was introduced by Jill Randolph, a budget and policy analyst for the Legislature and provides the fiscal year 2022 supplemental appropriations for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare including the Division of Medicaid.

Status: LAW

HB658: EXECUTION, CONFIDENTIALITY

Status: LAW

HB 664: AUDIOLOGY, COMPACT

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Matt Bundy (R-Mountain Home) and Sen. Peter Riggs (R-Post Falls) and would implement the "Audiology and Speech-language Pathology Interstate Compact," which allows audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed in any compact state to provide audiology or speech-language pathology services in each member state under a privilege to practice, and telehealth services in each member state under a privilege to practice.

Status: LAW

HB 668: PATIENT VISITATION RIGHTS

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot) and would require in-person visitation rights to individuals in hospitals, hospice housing, and nursing facilities. It would also allow for visitors to be subject to precautions such as health screenings for infectious disease and requiring personal protective equipment.

Status: The legislation was assigned to the House Health and Welfare Committee

HB 675: GENITAL MUTILATION, CHILDREN - OPPOSE

The bill was introduced by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) and would make it illegal to provide gender affirming care to transgender minors.

Status: The legislation passed the House by a vote of 55-13 and awaits further consideration by the Senate State Affairs Committee

HB 681 : BIOLOGICALPRODUCTS

The bill was introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) and serves as a trailer bill for HB 445 and would make technical corrections to the law that was signed by the governor in February.

Status: LAW

HB 688: OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy (R-Genesee) and would provide further direction on how the Opioid Settlement funds can be spent and removes a sunset clause in from the underlying statute.

Status: LAW

HB 698: WORKER’S COMP, VACCINE INJURIES – NEUTRAL

Status: The bill replaces HB 593 and passed the House by a vote of 61-2 and awaits further consideration by the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee

HB 708: IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and would prohibit the state from requiring vaccination to receive services, enter government buildings, or maintain employment with the state. HB 708 creates exemptions for health care facilities and would not apply to any federal vaccine requirements.

Status: The bill passed the House by a vote of 54-14 and will move to the Senate for further consideration

HB 712: CRISIS STANDARDS OF CARE – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) and would legislate requirements for hospitals and health care facilities during crisis standards of care that would restrict physicians ability to make medically necessary decisions.

Status: The bill was replaced by HB 756

HB 718: MED SCHOOL, OUT OF STATE, CONTRACT - OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced in by Rep. Mike Moyle (R-Star) and would create a payback provision for medical students who enroll in one of the designated Idaho slots in WWAMI or at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Specifically, the student would have to enter in a contract with the State Board of Education upon enrollment and commit to practicing in Idaho for four years. Each year of residency training in Idaho could be credited as half year towards the four-year requirement.

Status: LAW

HB 719: VACCINES, RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION - OPPOSE

The legislation replaces HB 577 and was introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot). If an employer has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement in place, this bill would require the employer to bear the burden of proof in the occasion of a denial for a religious exemption.

Status: Passed the House by a vote of 55-15 and awaits consideration by the Senate

HB 734: SCHOOLS, MASKS, EXEMPTIONS – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Gayann DeMordaunt (R-Eagle) and would provide exemption from mandates for mask wearing or other medical interventions for medical, religious, or personal reasons, which cannot be denied. No person will create limitations on participation or activity in any school programs on the basis of such exemption.

Status: Passed the House by a vote of 53-11 and awaits further consideration by the Senate Education Committee

HB 756: CRISIS STANDARDS OF CARE ACT – NEUTRAL

Status: LAW

HB 760: TELEHEALTH, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH – NEUTRAL

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Gayann DeMordaunt (R-Eagle) and Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot). The legislation would allow a 3 year window for DOPL to issue credentials to mental health providers to practice telehealth in Idaho if they have a license in good standing from another state. The bill excludes physicians and requires substantially similar requirements to an Idaho license for the eligible providers. The credential does not authorize any prescriptive rights.

Status: The bill passed the House and awaits further consideration on the Senate amending order

HB 777: APPROP, H&W MEDICAID, ORIG - SUPPORT

The legislation is the Medicaid budget for fiscal year 2023

Status: LAW

HB 778: IDAHO PATIENT ACT - SUPPORT

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and Sen. Kelly Anthon (R-Burley). The compromise bill comes as a result of protracted negotiations between IMA and Melaleuca representatives (proponents of the Idaho Patient Act), as well as other health care organizations. These discussions started in April of 2021 to address numerous issues with the law that created challenges for health care providers to comply. The bill would:
• Eliminates the insurance group and member numbers on notices to patients to protect patient privacy and reduce costs for providers.
• Allows practices to respond more quickly when a patient passes a bad check.
• Allows providers to comply with the timelines in the Idaho Patient Act when a service is required to be billed as a bundled or global fee.
• Allows providers to comply with the timelines in the Idaho Patient Act when a payment to the provider is clawed back by the insurance company.
• Creates an expedited path – after multiple notices and required timeframes – to report information to a credit reporting agency. In this case, the provider also forgoes the ability to pursue litigation.
• Allows the opportunity to correct the Consolidated Summary of Services if a provider is inadvertently omitted.

Status: LAW

HB 780: PSYCHOLOGISTS, SERVICE EXTENDERS

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Psychological Association and would regulate psychological service extenders. Service extenders provide psychological services to patients under the supervision of licensed Idaho psychologists or by those persons who hold a doctoral degree in psychology and who are employed by a duly chartered educational institution.

Status: LAW

HB 782: JUDICIAL COUNCIL, JUDGES, SALARY - SUPPORT

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Greg Chaney (R-Caldwell) and Rep. Mike Moyle(R-Star). The bills aims to create a more transparent process for selecting Idaho judges and balancing the representation on the Council. HB 782 would expand the Council from seven to 11 members and decrease the term limit from six to four years.

Status: Passed the House and Senate and was vetoed by the Governor

HB 821: MEDICAL KIDNAPPING

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Tammy Nichols (Middleton-R) Sen. Christy Zito (R-Hammett) and would change the definition of kidnapping in the Idaho Code 16-1648.

Status: Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee

HCR 038: WWAMI MEDICAL EDUCATION SLOTS

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Mike Moyle (R-Star) would fund five additional WWAMI slots in fiscal year 2025 and five more in fiscal year 2027.

Status: The legislation passed the House and Senate and is considered adopted

S 1233: OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES, RECORDS

The bill was introduced by Sen. Mary Souza (R-Coeur d’Alene) and would allow the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) boards and division staff to share investigatory information of licensees during division investigations.

Status: The legislation was referred to the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee

S 1236: HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, STATE

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Steven Thayn (R-Emmett) and would change how Health Savings Accounts (HSA) calculate the monthly deposits for State employees to make administration of the HSA’s simplified.

Status: LAW

S 1244: OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES, ADMIN DUTIES

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Peter Riggs (R-Post Falls) and would repeal two advisory committees and allow the Administrator of DOPL to establish new advisory committees.

Status: LAW

S 1245: PHARMACISTS, DEFINITIONS

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Mark Harris (R-Soda Springs) and would consolidate definitions under the Board of Pharmacy into one section of statute. Currently some definitions are found in administrative rules and statute.

Status: LAW

S 1246: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) and would mirror the Drug Enforcement Administration’s controlled substances scheduling for 2021.

Status: LAW

S 1256: BACKGROUND CHECKS, SIGNATURES

The legislation was introduced by Fernando Castro from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) and would remove the requirement for the applicant to notarize their IDHW criminal history and background check application. The Department has determined that for the purposes of the background check, the notary requirement is unnecessary and can be replaced by an electronic signature to enable the applicant to self-certify their criminal history.

Status: LAW

S 1257: SOUTHWEST IDAHO TREATMENT CENTER

The legislation was introduced by Cameron Gillian from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) and would remove the reference to the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center as an ICF/IID Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals who have Developmental Disabilities.

Status: LAW

S 1258: HEALTH AND WELFARE, STATE HOSPITALS

The legislation was introduced by Miren Unsworth from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) and would clarify conflicting provisions related to authority of IDHW and the Board of IDHW with regard to state hospitals and treatment centers and to provide appropriate references to the hospitals and centers throughout the code.

Status: LAW

S 1259: PROPERTY TAX, MEDICAID INCOME

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) and Rep. Ben Adams (R-Nampa) and would allow someone who is the homeowner of a Certified Family Home to apply for property tax relief through the Property Tax Circuit Breaker (“Circuit Breaker”) program by exempting the payment they receive from the state to care for someone in their home from income counted toward the application for the Property Tax Circuit Breaker.

Status: LAW

S 1260: CONTRACEPTION HEALTH PLAN

This legislation was introduced by Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) and would require health plans to cover a 6-month supply of prescribed contraceptives approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The enrollee or provider can request a smaller supply.

Status: Passed the Senate by a vote of 20-14 and failed to pass the House by a vote of 22-44-2

S 1269: UNDERINSURED VEHICLE COVERAGE

This legislation was introduced by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and would change the vehicle insurance statute. The legislation states that when a citizen purchases motor vehicle underinsured coverage, the purchaser receives the stated benefit provided on the declaration page. This prevents an insurance company that receives a premium for underinsured coverage from taking credit for the benefits paid by other's insurance companies. It further limits the benefits recoverable to the purchaser’s actual losses or the amount of coverage purchased, whichever is less.

Status: The legislation was referred to the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee

S 1270: DOWN SYNDROME, DIAGNOSIS INFO

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Fred Martin (R-Boise) and would amend the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Information Act to expand the intended audience and adds an annual review by medical experts and the Idaho Down Syndrome Council.

Status: LAW

SB 1281: UNDERINSURED VEHICLE COVERAGE

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Jim Guthrie (R-McCammon) and would provide that any underinsured motor vehicle coverage with limits of liability less than two times the Idaho minimum limits for bodily injury or death shall be construed to provide coverage in excess of the liability coverage of any underinsured motor vehicle involved in the accident.

Status: The legislation was referred to the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee

S 1283: MEDICAID, GROUND EMERGENCY TRANSPORT

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association and the Professional Firefighters Association would establish provisions regarding supplemental Medicaid reimbursement for Ground Emergency Medical Transportation. Ambulance services provide more uncompensated care than any other major health care provider. Currently, Medicaid only reimburses approximately a quarter of the true cost of ground emergency medical transport. Supplemental reimbursement would help to further cover the true cost of emergency medical services and greatly benefit rural areas with less access to emergency medical care, without a cost to either the state or local municipalities.

Status: LAW

S 1284: AGE OF TOBACCO USE, POSSESSION

The legislation was introduced by Altria Client Services and would change the definition of “minor” in Section 39-5702, Idaho Code, to mean a person under 21 years of age, consistent with federal law that has been in place since 2019. It also clarifies that tobacco products can be sold in retail by employees aged 19 to 20 years old.

Status: LAW

S 1285: TOBACCO, LOCAL REGS PROHIBITED

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Jim Guthrie (R-McCammon) and would create uniform laws on the sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes across the state by preventing local authorities from implementing varying regulations that are more restrictive than state law. It would not interfere with or limit any local unit of government from regulating public use or planning and zoning ordinances related to these products.

Status: LAW

S 1286: PSYCHOLOGISTS, SERVICE EXTENDERS

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Psychological Association and would regulate psychological service extenders. Service extenders provide psychological services to patients under the supervision of licensed Idaho psychologists or by those persons who hold a doctoral degree in psychology and who are employed by a duly chartered educational institution.

Status: The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 25-7 and passed the House Health and Welfare Committee and now awaits further action on the House floor

S 1287: RURAL NURSING LOAN PROGRAM

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Nurses Association and would establish a Rural Nursing Loan Repayment Fund modeled after the Rural Physician Incentive Program (RPIP). The repayment would be for nurses committing to practice in designated rural health shortage areas and critical access hospitals in Idaho and payment would be capped at $25,000 per year for a maximum of 3 years.

Status: The legislation was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 14-17 and will not proceed this session

S 1300: EMERGENCIES, HEALTH CARE SERVICES

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Health Care Association and would address the current pricing practices that staffing agencies are charging health care providers for interim staffing during the health care emergency.

Status: The legislation passed the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee by being sent to the amending order in the Senate

S 1305: PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Psychological Association and would enter licensed Idaho psychologists into the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. This allows Idaho psychologists to provide telehealth services across state lines in other compact states and also allows other states in the compact with an active license to practice via telehealth in Idaho.

Status: LAW

S 1306: YOUTH ATHLETES, CHIROPRACTORS

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians and would allow chiropractors to be eligible to permit an athlete to return a youth athlete to participate in sports after healing from a diagnosed concussion. To be eligible, the chiropractor must have successfully completed an Idaho Board of Chiropractic Physicians approved concussion management education program.

Status: The legislation was referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee

S 1309: FETAL HEARTBEAT, PREBORN CHILD – NEUTRAL (Trailer Bill)

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Family Policy Center and would amend the Fetal Heartbeat Preborn Child Protection Act to allow family members to sue a physician who performs an unlawful abortion. The underlying law would only take effect if another state’s law to ban abortions when a heartbeat is detected were to be upheld by a federal appeals court. The U.S. Supreme Court will also be ruling on Roe vs. Wade later this year. Idaho has a trigger law making abortion a felony if Roe is overturned. The bill sponsors agreed to address the legal concerns raised by IMA in a forthcoming trailer bill which would modify the language to allow attorney fees to be recouped by a physician who follows the law. The bill sponsors also agreed to return to normal burdens of proof to ensure a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. With those changes, IMA is neutral on HB 1309 which is almost certain to pass.

Status: LAW

S 1326: LICENSING, HEALTH, OCCUPATIONAL

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Peter Riggs (R-Post Falls) and would transition the regulatory authority, duties, and staff for licensing and inspecting eighteen (18) types of healthcare facilities and agency types within Idaho from the Division of Licensing and Certification (L&C) in the Department of Health and Welfare to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). The legislation includes transitioning the management of the certification program for certified family homes as well as Idaho’s certified nurse aid registry to DOPL.

Status: The legislation was referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee

S 1327: HOSPITALIZATION, MENTALLY ILL

The legislation was introduced by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and would update statutes related to civil commitments in Idaho. The legislation was a product of the Idaho Behavioral Health Council.

Status: LAW

S 1328: TELEHEALTH, PATIENT RELATIONSHIP - OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Peter Riggs (R–Post Falls) and would change the establishment of the patient-provider relationship and the Idaho community standard of care as it relates to telehealth. Specifically, the bill would allow asynchronous communication to establish a patient-provider relationship and increase access to prescribed medications with less oversight from an approved prescriber.

Status: The legislation was referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee

S 1330: NATUROPATHS – NEUTRAL w/ Amendments

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Kelly Anthon (R-Burley) and would license naturopaths who have not graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical school. IMA has concerns with the legislation and is working with stakeholders to ensure any licensing matches the scope of the provider’s training and education. However, compromise was crafted that would allow limited licensure for the applicable naturopaths. The bill restricts the scope of practice of the individual who is seeking a naturopathic license to remain within the scope of their existing license. This group of naturopaths seeking state licensure is comprised largely of individuals already trained or licensed as podiatrists and chiropractors.

Status: LAW

S 1331: IDHW (MEDICAID) APPROPRIATION SUPPLEMENTAL

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Kevin Cook (R-Idaho Falls) and Rep. Paul Amador (R-Coeur d’Alene) and provides the fiscal year 2022 supplemental appropriations for the Division of Medicaid for retrospective settlements, additional funds for held payments, and a recission due to the impacts of the public health emergency.

Status: LAW

S 1336: ESSENTIAL CAREGIVERS, VISITATION

The legislation was introduced by Michelle Stennett (D-Ketchum) and would ensure that patients of hospitals, nursing facilities, group homes, and other similar health care facilities have the right to be visited by one essential caregiver of their choosing or the person holding their designated medical power of attorney.

Status: The legislation was referred to Senate Health and Welfare

S 1343: FETAL HEARTBEAT TRAILER BILL – NEUTRAL

This legislation was introduced by the Idaho Family Policy Center and is the trailer bill to S 1309. The bill would modify the language to allow attorney fees to be recouped by a physician who follows the law. The bill sponsors also agreed to return to normal burdens of proof to ensure a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.

Status: Referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee- replaced by S 1358

S 1346: MEDICAL RECORDS, REQUESTS, FEES - NEUTRAL

The legislation was introduced by Senator Doug Ricks (R-Rexburg) and would set maximum charge limits if a patient or their representative were to request a copy of their medical records from a physician or health care facility. However, the amendments to the bill allow current federal limitations on medical records to apply.

Status:Passed the Senate with amendments and was held in the House Health and Welfare Committee

S 1350: MEDICAID, HOSPITAL ASSESSMENTS – NEUTRAL
The legislation was introduced by Juliet Charron, Administrator of the Division of Medicaid and would propose several measures that aim to contain costs of the Medicaid program to cover a $66 million budget shortfall caused by a federal court settlement which mandated certain provider reimbursement increases. The funding to cover the shortfall would come from a hospital assessment that is contingent on a waiver from CMS.

Status: LAW

S 1358: FETAL HEARTBEAT TRAILER BILL – NEUTRAL
This legislation was introduced by the Idaho Family Policy Center and is the trailer bill to S 1309. The bill would modify the language to allow attorney fees to be recouped by a physician who follows the law. The bill sponsors also agreed to return to normal burdens of proof to ensure a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.

Status:LAW

S 1381: CORONAVIRUS PAUSE ACT – OPPOSE

The legislation was introduced by Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder (R-Boise), Sen. Todd Lakey (R-Nampa), and Rep. Ben Adams (R-Nampa). Once Idaho ends its public health emergency declaration next month, SB 1381 would limit employers’ ability to require COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees for a year. The bill has exemptions for health care facilities and federal requirements

Status: Passed the Senate and House but was vetoed by the Governor

S 1418: APPROP, EDU BD,HLTH, PRGRMS, ORIG - SUPPORT

The legislation is the health education portion of the State Board of Education budget. This budget line item includes funding for undergraduate medical education and graduate medical education (GME) programs, as well as dental and veterinary programs.

Status: LAW