This bill updates Idaho laws to expand the scope of practice for licensed dental hygienists, allowing them to perform a broader range of dental interventions based on their education, training, and experience or as delegated by a supervising dentist. Key changes include authorizing hygienists to conduct dental assessments and diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and administer topical medications for minor oral conditions, while maintaining requirements for independent practitioners to refer patients to dentists for care beyond their expertise. The legislation also clarifies definitions of dental hygiene practice and establishes penalties for unlicensed individuals performing these services without proper supervision.
This bill updates Idaho laws governing physician assistants by clarifying their licensing requirements, practice settings, and collaborative obligations with physicians. It allows physician assistants to independently own medical practices if they maintain a written collaborative agreement with a licensed physician and have at least two years of licensure in another jurisdiction. The legislation also establishes a new physician assistant advisory committee to provide recommendations to the state medical board, while retaining the board's authority over final licensing decisions. Additionally, the bill expands provisions for health professionals requiring supervision and removes certain limitations on physician assistant practice.
This bill establishes a new regulatory framework in Idaho for artificial intelligence systems that perform clinical medical services, creating a new class of licensed healthcare providers called AI-augmented and autonomous service providers. The legislation creates a new Board of Autonomous Medical Practice to oversee licensing, define different levels of AI autonomy, and ensure patient safety through transparency, clinical integrity, and ethical oversight requirements. Key provisions include a regulatory sandbox for testing AI systems, liability protections for providers, and state funding mechanisms while maintaining compliance with federal privacy laws like HIPAA. The bill aims to address healthcare provider shortages by creating a clear licensure pathway for AI-driven clinical services without expanding the scope of practice for existing human healthcare professionals.
S 1313 creates a voluntary licensure pathway for pharmacists in Idaho to become naturopathic doctors by requiring them to complete a 160-credit-hour naturopathic program and pass a competency exam, while maintaining their existing pharmacy license. The bill amends Idaho Code to include pharmacists in the definition of "licensed naturopathic doctor" and updates committee structures to reflect this new option, including adding a pharmacist to the formulary committee. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Idaho's S 1284 would allow the state to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling dietitians licensed in Idaho to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each. The compact establishes a "compact privilege" that is equivalent to a license in other member states, requiring dietitians to meet uniform standards for practice. It includes provisions for sharing disciplinary information among states to protect public health and specifically supports military members and their spouses who relocate across state lines. This bill would update Idaho's licensing law to implement the compact's framework for interstate practice.
This Idaho bill replaces outdated podiatry regulations with a new licensing framework. It requires all podiatrists to hold a license, complete an accredited residency, and pass competency exams before practicing. The law defines podiatry as treating only foot and leg conditions (excluding knee surgery or amputations) and makes unlicensed practice a felony. The State Board of Medicine gains authority to set licensing standards, conduct disciplinary actions, and oversee renewals.
This Idaho bill (H 550) expands the scope of practice for licensed midwives by allowing them to obtain and administer any medication for maternal or neonatal care - such as antibiotics, pain management, or emergency treatments - if they have the required education, training, and experience. It directly affects licensed midwives and their patients by enabling midwives to provide more comprehensive care during pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care without needing separate physician authorization for these medications. The bill adds a new section (54-5504A) requiring midwives to follow specific protocols for medication use, storage, and emergency transfers to hospitals when needed. It also updates existing rules to clarify medication permissions while maintaining restrictions for high-risk conditions that require physician management.
