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Bill

H 327

NURSES – Adds to existing law to provide for nurses to delegate tasks to non-nurses under certain conditions.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Idaho H 327 allows licensed nurses to delegate certain non-clinical tasks to trained non-nurses under supervision, with approved certifications and no independent clinical judgment

Reported Signed by Governor on March 27, 2025 Session Law Chapter 187 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 327

Summary: Idaho House Bill 327 (H 327)

Overview

House Bill 327 adds a new provision to Idaho Code that allows licensed nurses to delegate certain non-nursing tasks to non-nurses, provided the tasks do not involve independent clinical judgment and proper supervision is maintained. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 27, 2025 and becomes effective July 1, 2025 (Session Law Chapter 187). A fiscal note indicates no net revenue impact or state/local expenditure changes.

Purpose and intent

  • Recognizes and codifies a framework for nurse supervision of non-nurses (e.g., medical assistants or other trained support personnel) to support efficient, safe patient care in the context of expanding nurse roles and increasing use of non-physician clinicians.
  • Aims to ensure patient safety while leveraging workforce capacity through appropriate delegation and supervision.

Key provisions

  • New section added: 54-1421, Idaho Code.
  • Delegation authority: A nurse who is appropriately educated, trained, and licensed may delegate to a non-nurse tasks that do not involve the exercise of independent clinical judgment.
  • Supervision requirement: The delegating nurse must maintain proper supervision and must be satisfied that the non-nurse is qualified and adequately trained.
  • Definition of delegable tasks: “Tasks that do not involve the exercise of independent clinical judgment” are duties for which the individual has formal training and is certified to perform by a national organization acceptable to the Idaho Board.
  • Scope limitation: Delegated tasks must be those that do not require independent clinical judgment; the decision-making remains the responsibility of the delegating nurse.

Who is affected

  • Nurses licensed under Idaho Code Chapter 14 (Title 54).
  • Non-nurse personnel who perform delegated tasks (e.g., trained healthcare support staff) who have formal training and certification recognized by a national organization acceptable to the Idaho board.
  • Healthcare facilities and clinics employing nurses and support staff, subject to supervision requirements.

Implementation and timeline

  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.
  • The act includes an emergency clause, but the stated effective date is still July 1, 2025.
  • Legislative history notes introduction on 2/25/2025, committee action, passage, and final signing by the Governor on 3/27/2025 (Chapter 187).

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal note states no net increase or decrease in revenue or expenditures at the state or local level; no fiscal impact anticipated.

Practical considerations

  • Facilities may need to establish or adjust policies for delegation, supervision, and training verification.
  • Nurses must assess qualifications, provide appropriate supervision, and ensure delegated tasks are within the non-clinical-judgment scope.
  • Acceptance of certifications must align with a national organization approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing.

Bottom line

H 327 formalizes a nurse-led delegation framework for non-clinical tasks, expanding workforce flexibility while safeguarding patient safety through supervised delegation and standardized training/certification requirements.

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

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