Bill

Bill > H0176


ID H0176

ID H0176
Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding medical education programs supported by Idaho state funds and to provide for WWAMI program transition.


summary

Introduced
02/07/2025
In Committee
02/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/04/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

RELATING TO MEDICAL EDUCATION; AMENDING SECTION 33-3717B, IDAHO CODE, TO RE- VISE PROVISIONS REGARDING SPECIAL GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS; AMENDING SECTION 33-3731, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE PROVISIONS REGARDING STATE-SUPPORTED MEDICAL STUDENTS; AMENDING CHAPTER 37, TITLE 33, IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 33-3732, IDAHO CODE, TO ESTAB- LISH PROVISIONS REGARDING WWAMI PROGRAM TRANSITION AND MEDICAL EDUCA- TION PROGRAM DESIGNATIONS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

AI Summary

This bill amends Idaho's laws regarding medical education programs and the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) regional medical program. Specifically, the bill phases out Idaho's participation in the WWAMI program by 2026-2027, requiring students currently enrolled to be able to complete their four-year medical education with continued state funding. The legislation mandates that the state board of education designate at least two medical education programs (either in Idaho or adjacent Mountain Time Zone states) to replace WWAMI, with requirements that a majority of clinical placements for these programs be located in Idaho starting in the 2029-2030 academic year. The bill also revises residency requirements for medical students and establishes a contract system where students supported by state funds must commit to practicing medicine in Idaho for four years after completing their education, with potential reimbursement requirements if they do not fulfill this obligation. Additionally, the bill creates a medical education reimbursement fund to collect repayments and potentially provide incentive grants to physicians practicing in Idaho. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of transitioning Idaho's medical education support to more locally-focused programs.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Education Committee (H)

Last Action

U.C. to be returned to Education Committee (on 03/13/2025)

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