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 updates Idaho's insurance laws to establish clearer rules for how quickly health insurers must process and pay medical claims. It directly affects insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients by setting specific time limits for claim decisions based on whether claims are submitted electronically or on paper. Under the new provisions, electronic claims must be paid or denied within 30 days, while paper claims have a 45-day deadline, with additional time allowed if insurers request more information. The legislation also adds protections against retaliatory conduct by insurers, requires transparency in claim processes, and creates new civil action options for beneficiaries who face delays or unfair treatment.
This bill requires legislative approval for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to adjust Medicaid payment rates for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics when their scope of services changes. It establishes a process where clinics must notify the department 60 days before implementing service changes and submit a rate adjustment application after six months of full implementation, requiring a minimum 4.5% cost increase to qualify. The legislation sets specific timelines for department review and allows clinics to appeal final rate decisions, while also repealing certain existing administrative rules effective October 1, 2026.
This bill establishes rules for hospitals in Idaho to make temporary Medicaid eligibility decisions for patients who may qualify but haven't completed full applications. It requires hospitals to notify the state within five days of making these determinations and to help patients finish their applications before the temporary coverage ends. The bill creates a performance tracking system where hospitals face mandatory training after two violations and lose their ability to make these determinations after three violations within a year. Hospitals can appeal violation findings, and the state must provide clear written notices explaining any standards they failed to meet.
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 concurrent resolution asks state officials to reject and return approximately $1 billion in federal Rural Health Transformation funds to the U.S. Treasury. The bill states that Idaho does not need to accept these funds and encourages the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee not to appropriate any money for the program. It also urges the State Treasurer to return any funds already received to the federal government. The resolution argues that accepting the money would increase healthcare costs without improving rural health outcomes.
H 591 repeals Idaho Code Section 31-3502, which previously defined eligibility criteria for financial assistance programs. This change directly affects individuals seeking state financial aid who would have been evaluated under the repealed law. The bill removes the existing eligibility rules but does not establish new requirements or programs. It takes effect on July 1, 2026, as declared an emergency.
This bill requires all infants and newborns in Idaho to be screened for hearing loss before leaving a hospital, health care facility, or birthing facility. For births outside these settings, screening must occur within 21 days of birth. The screening must use approved methods (like otoacoustic emissions) and results must be reported to the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind (IESDB) within seven days. The law is contingent on maintaining federal funding for these screenings, and would not take effect if federal support ends and state costs increase.
This bill clarifies that Idaho chiropractors with clinical nutrition certification may prescribe specific non-controlled medications, including certain vitamins (A, B complex, C), minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc), fluids (saline, dextrose), epinephrine, and oxygen for emergencies. It specifies these drugs must be obtained from licensed sources and administered via approved routes, while prohibiting chiropractors from compounding vitamins/minerals themselves. The law directly affects certified chiropractors in Idaho, allowing them to prescribe these items during practice without altering existing non-prescription supplement use. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, after passing unanimously in the Idaho Senate.
This bill establishes the Idaho Prior Authorization Reform Act, requiring health insurance companies to follow standardized processes for approving medical treatments before coverage. It mandates electronic submission of requests, sets specific timeframes for reviews (including expedited approvals for urgent cases), and requires clear explanations when requests are denied. The law directly affects doctors, hospitals, and patients by limiting insurer interference with medical decisions and ensuring transparency in coverage denials. It applies to most health insurance plans but excludes self-insured employer plans and workers' compensation, while preserving existing federal and state health coverage requirements.
