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H 27

An Act establishing a special commission on retirement credit purchases

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Idaho H 27 clarifies LPN scope to perform delegated health-status assessments under RN delegation, reinforcing collaboration and practical care delivery.

Hearing scheduled for 04/14/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-1
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Bill Summary · H 27

Summary: Idaho House Bill 27 (H 27) – Nurses Definition Update

Overview

  • Purpose: Amend the definition of “Licensed Practical Nurse” in Idaho Code to clarify and broaden the scope of tasks LPNs can perform under the delegation of a registered nurse (RN). The change emphasizes that LPNs may perform delegated assessments.
  • Code section affected: Idaho Code § 54-1402 (Definitions) within the Nursing chapter.
  • Emergency / Effective date: The bill declares an emergency and would take effect on July 1, 2025.

What the bill would do

  • Key change to the LPN definition (54-1402(3)):
    • Current text includes language such as “contributing to” the performing delegated assessments.
    • Proposed revision would replace this with language indicating that the LPN “performs delegated assessments of the health status of individuals and groups of individuals” (i.e., removing the qualifier “contributing to” and affirming active performance of delegated assessments).
  • Other components of the LPN definition remain, including:
    • Working under the direction of a licensed RN, APN, physician, or dentist within the board-defined scope of practice.
    • Participating in the development and modification of the care strategy, implementing aspects of the strategy (including administering medications and treatments as prescribed by authorized prescribers), maintaining safe and effective care, participating in evaluation, and delegating interventions when appropriate.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): Their explicit scope of practice would be clarified to include performing delegated health-status assessments under RN delegation.
  • Registered Nurses (RNs) and other prescribers: Continues to delegate appropriate tasks to LPNs; the collaboration framework is reinforced.
  • Patients/clients: Potentially benefit from clearer, more direct use of LPN capabilities in care teams, with an emphasis on delegated assessments and coordinated care.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: January 21, 2025.
  • Legislative actions:
    • January 21, 2025: Introduced and referred to the Joint Rules Administration (Printing) (per the “introduced” action).
    • January 22, 2025: Reported Printed and Referred to Health & Welfare.
  • Committee status: Referred to Health & Welfare (as of the latest update).
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025 (due to emergency clause).

Fiscal impact

  • The fiscal note states: No net revenue impact and no additional expenditures at state or local government levels. Legislative staff project no fiscal impact from the bill’s enactment.

Why this matters

  • Alignment with practice standards: The change reflects contemporary nursing practice by formalizing LPNs’ ability to perform delegated assessments.
  • Clarity and safety: Clear language helps define roles within care teams, supporting collaboration between RNs and LPNs while prioritizing patient safety.
  • Operational implications: Healthcare organizations may adjust staffing plans and delegation protocols to incorporate the revised scope of LPN duties.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to current Idaho nursing practice statutes or draft a one-page briefing for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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