Bill > H0242

This bill adds provisions to Idaho law to provide continuing education credits for nurse and physician/physician assistant preceptors who mentor graduate students in rural areas. Specifically, healthcare professionals who serve as preceptors and provide at least 360 hours of uncompensated mentoring over two years in a qualified rural area (defined as a primary care health professional shortage area or medically underserved area) will be eligible to receive continuing education credits or other recognition when renewing their professional licenses. A preceptorship is defined as a mentoring experience involving at least 180 hours per calendar year of personalized instruction and supervision for graduate students pursuing degrees in primary care fields. The bill covers graduate students in nursing, osteopathy, and physician assistant programs at accredited Idaho institutions. By offering these credits, the bill aims to incentivize healthcare professionals to provide mentorship and training in underserved rural areas, potentially helping to address healthcare workforce challenges in these regions. The provisions will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to both the nursing and medical professional licensing boards.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0242/