2024 IMA Bill Tracker

House

Introduced by Rep. Jacyn Gallagher (R-Weiser) and Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa)

This legislation would limit the duties of the district boards of health in Idaho by narrowing their scope by substituting “all things” to those deemed “necessary and reasonable” while also striking preventative health measures.

Status: Referred back to the House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 393: Counseling Services

Introduced by by Rep. Chenele Dixon (R-Kimberly) and Sen. Linda Hartgen (R-Twin Falls)

This legislation would establish the “Counseling Compact,” allowing Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), to voluntarily be licensed to practice in-person or telehealth in any compact state under a privilege-to-practice, which is equivalent to a license.

Status: Failed a vote in the full Senate, 17-18 and will not proceed this session.

HB 396: Mask Mandates

Introduced by Rep. Jacyn Gallagher (R-Weiser) and Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa)

This legislation would prevent the State of Idaho or any state officers from mandating the use of face masks, face shields, or other face coverings to prevent or slow the spread of a contagious or infectious disease.

Status: Held in the House State Affairs Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 397: Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS) Change

Introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett)

This legislation amends Idaho’s Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS) from an opt-out registry, to one that is opt-in.

Status:Held in the Senate Health & Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 398: Legislative Approval for Waivers

Introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett)

This legislation would require legislative approval of waivers and state plan amendments prohibiting the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare from seeking or implementing a Medicaid State Plan or a waiver without legislative approval provided in statute.

Status: Law

HB 399: Maternal Mortality Review Committee

Introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett)

This legislation would authorize the Board of Medicine to collect and review data concerning maternal mortality in Idaho. The Board would be required to produce an annual summary report to the legislature by January 31st of each year.

Status: Law

HB 400: Preborn Children

Introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot)

This legislation would replace the term 'fetus' or 'fetus and embryo' with the term 'preborn child' or 'child' in Idaho Code.

Status: Held in the House State Affairs Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 418: Assistant Physicians

Introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d'Alene) and Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld (R-Twin Falls)

This legislation changes the one-year bridge year physician licensure program to a three-year assistant physician program. After completing the three-year program and completing the USMLE, the assistant physician may apply for an unrestricted license to practice as a general practitioner – bypassing the residency process.

Status: Held in the House Health & Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 419: Medicaid Expansion Repeal Trigger Bill

Introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene) and Sen. Carl Bjerke (R-Coeur d’Alene)

This bill would put 11 triggers in place that if unmet would repeal Medicaid Expansion. Triggers include work requirement waiver, an enrollment cap of 50,000 people, biannual redeterminations, and lifetime benefit limit of 36 months. Many of the triggers require waivers that have never been approved, regardless of the federal administration.

Status: Held in the House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 421: Redefining “Sex” in Idaho Code

Introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot) and Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa)

This legislation would change the legal definition of “sex” in Idaho code, redefining it “as an individual’s biological sex, either male or female” and gender as a synonym for the definition of sex.

Status: Passed by full House and Senate, awaiting Governor's signature.

HB 423: Maternal Mortality Review Committee #2

Introduced by Rep. Dori Healey (R-Boise) and Sen. Abby Lee (R-Fruitland)

This bill is another attempt to reintroduce the MMRC and would closely resemble the MMRC before it was sunset. Minor changes include the addition of two legislators to the committee and a smaller budget to encourage virtual participation.

Status: Held in the House Health & Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 436: Allied Health Advisory Board

Introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene)

This legislation would restructure the Dietician Licensure Board, the Board of Athletic Trainers, the Respiratory Care Licensure Board, and the Naturopathic Medical Board into one consolidated “Allied Health Advisory Board.” This new Board would be administered and governed by the Board of Medicine.

Status: Law

HB 438: Immunization Disclosure for Schools

Introduced by Rep. Dori Healey (R-Boise)

This bill would require school officials to explain that immunizations are not mandatory and may be refused on religious or other grounds.

Status: Held in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 439: Idaho Immunization Assessment Board

Introduced by Rep. Dori Healey (R-Boise)

This legislation would reset the sunset date for the Idaho Immunization Assessment Board from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2029.

Status: Law

HB 440: Vape Products and Minors

Introduced by Rep. Jerald Raymond (R-Menan)

This legislation would increase penalties for selling vape products to minors to the same level as selling alcohol to minors.

Status: Held in the House Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 441: Fentanyl Testing Strips

Introduced by Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise) and Rep. Marco Erickson (R-Idaho Falls)

This legislation would allow individuals to legally obtain and use fentanyl testing strips by changing their classification as drug paraphernalia.

Status: Law

HB 489: Essential Caregivers

Introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot)

This legislation would make immediate family members essential caregivers allowing them visitation access during a hospital or long-term care facilities.

Status: Law.

HB 493: Mask Mandates

Introduced by Rep. Jacyn Gallagher (R-Weiser) and Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa)

Status: Held in the Senate State Affairs Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 499: No Changes to Vitamins and Supplements

Introduced by Rep. Jacyn Gallagher (R-Weiser)

This legislation would allow Idahoans retain access to vitamins and supplements approved under current regulation.

Status: Returned to House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 501: Medical Liens

Introduced by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) and Rep. John Gannon (D-Boise)

This legislation makes changes to the medical lien statute, limiting the time and conditions hospitals can pursue medical liens. (This is a updated version of HB 383)

Status: Law.

HB 518: Medicaid Fraud Penalties

Introduced by Rep. Jeff Cornilles (R-Nampa)

This legislation amends Medicaid provider fraud statutes to increase the maximum punishment for fraud convictions while also allowing the state to recover prosecution costs.

Status: Law.

HB 523: Medical Savings Accounts for Health Care Sharing Ministries

Introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene)

This legislation would allow expenses for Health Care Sharing Ministry eligible for Medical Savings Accounts.

Status: Held in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 525: Health Districts

Introduced by Rep. Jacyn Gallagher (R-Weiser) and Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa)

Status: Held in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 526: Pelvic Exams

Introduced by Rep. Brooke Green (D-Boise)

This legislation requires proper consent for pelvic examinations for patients under anesthesia. This is nearly the same language used during the 2023 session with one minor correction.

Status: Law.

HB 527: Board of Pharmacy Rules

Introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene)

This legislation would remove some rules from the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, placing them into statute.

Status: Law

HB 542: Internationally Trained Physicians

Introduced by Rep. Josh Wheeler (R-Ammon)

This legislation would create a pathway to licensure for international physicians who have attended a recognized medical school and have already completed residency training.

Status: Law.

HB 577: Medicaid Direct Payments

Introduced by Rep. James Petzke (R-Meridian)

This legislation authorizes the Department of Health and Welfare to seek CMS approval to establish a program for state directed payments under Idaho’s Managed Care statute.

Status: Awaiting a hearing in House Health and Welfare Committee

HB 579: Increased Access to Behavioral Health

Introduced by Rep. Dori Healey (R-Boise)

This legislation would allow telehealth access to behavioral health services for students at public and charter schools and outlines safety protocols and guidelines to be followed. (This is an updated version of HB 524)

Status: Held in the House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 596: Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM)

Introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d'Alene) and Sen. Kevin Cook (R-Idaho Falls)

This legislation establishes parameters and standards for how PBMs operate in Idaho by requiring fairness and transparency. It does this by requiring PBMs to provide transparent pricing on drugs and requiring PBMs to report to the Department of Insurance.

Status: Law.

HB 597: Immunization Exemptions for Students 18+

Introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d'Alene) and Sen. Kevin Cook (R-Idaho Falls)

This legislation would allow an immunization exemption for 12th grade students that are 18 and prevent colleges and universities in Idaho from requiring a vaccination status for enrollment or attendance.

Status: Law.

HB 616: Parental Access to Behavioral Health Records

Introduced by Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot)

This legislation creates conditions for which a parent or legal guardian can obtain behavioral health records for children 14 and older.

Status: Held in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 617: Repeal of Needle Exchange Statute

Introduced by Rep. John Vander Woude (R-Meridian)

This legislation repeals the Syringe and Needle Exchange Act which provided funding for the establishment of harm reduction needle exchanges for individuals facing substance abuse.

Status: Law.

HB 632: Naturopathic Licensure

Introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett)

This legislation corrects the voluntary naturopathic doctor dual licensure statute by clarifying the post-doctorate training required to obtain voluntary licensure and prevents policy overlap with other naturopathic licensure statutes. Individuals must enroll in and complete a naturopathic doctor curriculum of at least 160 hours from an accredited university as well as show proof that the applicant has practiced naturopathic medicine in Idaho for four years. This legislation does not change the underlying doctorate licensure requirement or the requirement that the underlying license must remain active and in good standing.

Status: Law.

HB 633: 12 Month Medicaid Postpartum Coverage

Introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett)

This legislation repeals the Syringe and Needle Exchange Act which provided funding for the establishment of harm reduction needle exchanges for individuals facing substance abuse.

Status: Law.

HB 666: Prohibiting Funds for Sex Education

Introduced by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa)

This legislation would prohibit an individual or oragnization that provides abortion from furnishing materials or instruction relating to sex education. (This is a replacement for HB 476)

Status: Law.

HB 668: Prohibiting Public Funds for Gender Affirming Care

Introduced by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) and Rep. Julianne Young (F-Blackfoot)

This legislation would prohibit any public funds, including Medicaid reimbursement, to be used to provide gender affirming care for minors and adults. (This is a replacement for HB 520)

Status: Law.

HB 671: 340B Drug Discount Program

Introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman(R-Coeur d'Alene)

This legislation attempts to ensure fair reimbursement of Idaho's 340B covered entities and contract pharmacies. One method of achieving this is by prohibiting PBMs from placing restrictions on a 340B covered entity that would not be placed equally on a non-340B covered entity. It also prohibits drug manufacturers from restricting which pharmacies can receive drugs purchased under the 340B program.

Status: Held in the House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 672: Medicaid Ethics Defense Act

Introduced by Rep. Tony Wisniewski (R-Post Falls) and Sen. Carl Bjerke (R-Coeur d'Alene)

This legislation would allow health care professionals, health care payers, and health care institutions, in a variety of settings, the ability to withhold care or pay for medical procedures based on their deeply held religious beliefs. Cause of action for damages and attorney fees can be pursued by professionals, payers, and institutions alleged to be in violation.

Status: Held in the House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

HB 681: Appropriations - Health Education Programs

This legislation was approved through JFAC and the health education portion of the State Board of Education's proposed FY 2025 budget. The approved budget now fully funds eight new residency positions at $60,000, a request totaling $480,000.

Status: Law

HB 685: Medicaid Budget Stabilization Fund

Introduced by Reb. John Vander Woude (R-Meridian) and Sen. Julie VanOrden (R-Blackfoot)

This would create a dedicated fund to transfer unused allocated Medicaid dollars at the end of each fiscal year. The stabilization fund would be used solely for meeting general fund revenue shortfalls or covering unanticipated expenses for services administered by the division of Medicaid.

Status: Law.

Senate

SB 1227: Health Rights

Introduced by Sen. Dan Foreman (R-Viola)

This legislation attempts to create “health rights” under the law for medical patients. The legislation focuses on a number of items already in statute, like informed consent. The legislation also addresses visitation rights requiring visits by family and legal guardians.

Status: Held in the Senate State Affairs Committee and will not proceed this session.

SB 1229: Removing Rape and Incest Exceptions for Abortion

Introduced by Sen. Dan Foreman (R-Viola)

This legislation amends Idaho’s Total Abortion Ban, completely removing the exception for rape and incest.

Status: Held in the Senate State Affairs Committee and will not proceed this session.

SB 1234: Extending Coverage for Prescription Contraception

Introduced by Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise)

This legislation requires insurance providers to extend access of prescription contraception, allowing enrollees to receive up to a six-month supply of prescribed contraceptives.

Status: Law

SB 1247: Crisis Response Holds

Introduced by Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise)

This legislation would create a legal pathway to take someone with a major neurocognitive disorder in an acute crisis, and a danger to themselves or others, to an emergency room for a medical assessment.

Status: Law.

SB 1272: Idaho Safe Haven Act

Introduced by Sen. Julie VanOrden (R-Pingree)

This legislation would allow for “Safe Haven” boxes to be installed, allowing facilities to receive surrendered, newborn infants through the safety device.

Status: Law

SB 1287: Limiting Access to World Health Organization

Introduced by Sen. Tammy Nichols (R-Middleton)

This legislation would limit access by the World Health Organization by prohibiting their access in Idaho and not using any of their information.

Status: Held in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

SB 1288: Expanding Chiropractic Scope

Introduced by Sen. Carl Bjerke (R-Coeur d’Alene) and Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene)

This legislation would permit chiropractors to allow for the return of a student athlete after suffering a head injury.

Status: Held in the House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

SB 1351: Public Health Records

Introduced by Sen. Cindy Carlson (R-Riggins)

This legislation would allow examination of public health records, concentrating on death, health, and vaccine data for statistical analysis of vaccine-related outcomes.

Status: Held in the House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

SB 1352: Counselors Deeply Held Beliefs

Introduced by Sen. Carl Bjerke (R-Coeur d’Alene) and Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot)

This legislation would allow counselors the opportunity to decline support of service if they feel their sincerely held principles are being violated.

Status: Law

SB 1354: Electroconvulsive Therapy

Introduced by Sen. Abby Lee (R-Fruitland)

This legislation sets a minimum age of 12 years old for Electroconvulsive Therapy and provides parents the ability to provide informed consent to treatment.

Status: Passed by the full House and Senate, awaiting Governor's signature.

SB 1355: Medicaid Review Panel

Introduced by Sen. Julie VanOrden (R- Pingree) and Rep. John Vander Woude (R-Meridian)

This legislation would establish a Medicaid Legislative Review Panel that will be responsible for reviewing contracts related to Medicaid to evaluate performance.

Status: Law

SB 1375: Naturopathic Doctor Licensure

Introduced by Sen.Kelly Anthon (R-Burley)

This legislation attempts to correct the voluntary naturopathic doctor dual licensure statute by allowng the Board to qualify applicants "that demonstrates minimum competency in the practice of naturopathic health care as approved by the board." It also removes the US accredited board exam standard, allowing successful applicants to pass "any national board examination that certifies the individual has achieved minimum competency and skill in the practice of naturopathic health care." This legislation does not change the underlying doctorate licensure requirement or the requirement that the underlying license must remain active and in good standing.

Status: Sent to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation

SB 1389: Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reforms

Introduced by Sen. Kevin Cook (R- Idaho Falls)

This legislation attempts to introduce PBM reforms by focusing on accountability and transparency; adds new definitions; requires drug rebates to be passed on to plans; requires contracts with pharmacies to be transparent and fair. SB 1389 requires mandatory reporting to the Department of Insurance - the agency granted oversight authority.

Status: Sent to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation

SB 1395: Medical Record Fees

Introduced by Sen. Doug Ricks (R- Rexburg)

This legislation will put in statute the maximum charges for the transfer of physical ($.053 for the first 40 pages, $.032 for the additional pages) and electronic ($30 per file) medical records. (This is a replacement to SB 1353)

Status: Held in the House Health and Welfare Committee and will not proceed this session.

View archived 2023 IMA Bill Tracker Here.