Bill > S1453

This bill establishes the Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund and appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Welfare for rural health initiatives for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. * The Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund is created to receive federal grant money for rural health transformation program purposes. The fund is overseen by a nine-member Rural Health Transformation Committee, composed of legislative members and a governor's appointee, which will make recommendations for fund usage. * For fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026), $3,737,600 is appropriated to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Division of Indirect Support Services from the Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund. This includes $264,300 for personnel costs, $3,444,500 for operating expenditures, and $28,800 for capital outlay. * For fiscal year 2026, the full-time equivalent position authorization for the Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Indirect Support Services is increased by 12.00 positions. * For fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027), $295,405,200 is appropriated to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Division of Indirect Support Services from the Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund. This includes $1,328,700 for personnel costs and $294,076,500 for operating expenditures. * For fiscal year 2027, the full-time equivalent position authorization for the Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Indirect Support Services is increased by 12.00 positions. * The bill also expresses the Legislature's intent for the state to continue pursuing scope of practice reforms for physician assistants and dental hygienists as part of the rural health transformation efforts. The Department of Health and Welfare is required to report on progress in these areas.

Budget and Finance, Justice

Finance Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1453/