Bill > H0059

This bill establishes the Medical Ethics Defense Act in Idaho, creating comprehensive legal protections for health care providers' right of conscience. The legislation defines conscience as sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs and provides broad protections for health care professionals, institutions, and payers who object to participating in medical procedures, treatments, or services that conflict with their conscience. The bill covers a wide range of health care professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, researchers, and social workers, and prevents them from being discriminated against, disciplined, or penalized for refusing to participate in medical services that violate their ethical principles. The law includes whistleblower protections, free speech safeguards, and allows for civil remedies if a health care provider's rights are violated, such as injunctive relief, actual damages, and attorney's fees. Importantly, the bill does not override emergency medical treatment requirements and does not provide immunity for failing to meet standard medical care. The legislation aims to protect what it describes as a fundamental and inalienable right of conscience, responding to what the bill characterizes as increasing threats to health care providers' ability to make ethical decisions based on their personal beliefs.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0059/