Commerce and Human Resources

This bill expands worker's compensation protections for first responders by creating a specific exception for psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder, which are generally not covered unless accompanied by physical injury. It defines first responders to include peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, emergency communications officers, and coroners, allowing them to receive benefits for mental health conditions caused by workplace events. The law requires that psychological injuries be diagnosed by licensed mental health professionals and supported by clear and convincing evidence that the condition resulted from a sudden, extraordinary workplace event. The changes apply to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2019, and the bill becomes effective on July 1, 2026.

This bill establishes a program for state-certified private inspectors to conduct electrical, plumbing, and HVAC inspections in Idaho, beginning on July 1, 2030. During a transition period from October 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030, inspections may be performed by either state inspectors or newly certified private individuals. To become certified, applicants must meet existing qualification standards and pass relevant inspection exams, with a maximum application fee of $125. The legislation shifts responsibility for these inspections from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses to private professionals, while maintaining compliance with all applicable building codes.

This bill requires healthcare organizations participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program to submit annual reports to Idaho state agencies about their program participation and financial details. The reports must include information on drug acquisition costs, payments to contract pharmacies, savings generated, and how those savings are used for charity care or community benefits, broken down by insurance payer type. The data will be kept confidential and shared through a secure portal, with an aggregated summary made available publicly on the state website. The attorney general may use the information to investigate potential Medicaid fraud and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

This bill requires funeral homes and crematories in Idaho to confirm a deceased person's identity with high confidence before cremation can proceed. It mandates that a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or coroner must verify the decedent's identity using methods like fingerprinting, DNA analysis, official photo ID, or visual confirmation by a legal next of kin. The law also protects funeral establishments from liability if they follow these identification procedures and rely on properly signed authorization forms. These requirements apply to all cremations performed in Idaho starting July 1, 2026.

This bill establishes minimum reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies in Idaho by requiring plan sponsors, pharmacy benefit managers, and third-party payers to pay at least the national average drug acquisition cost plus a minimum professional dispensing fee of $12.35, which will increase annually based on inflation. The law defines key terms related to pharmacy reimbursement and mandates that pharmacy benefit managers register with the Idaho Department of Insurance and prohibits certain pricing practices like spread pricing. Additionally, the bill requires the state insurance department to issue guidance to payers and mandates that any underpayments to pharmacies be corrected retroactively from the effective date of the law.