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H 89

NURSES – Amends existing law to revise a definition.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 89 clarifies LPN roles by defining their tasks under RN supervision, enhancing collaboration and patient care in Idaho's healthcare facilities.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 7, 2025 Session Law Chapter 14 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 89

Summary of House Bill No. 89 (H 89)

Bill Overview

  • Title: NURSES – Amends existing law to revise a definition.
  • Bill Number: H 89
  • Status: Reported Signed by Governor on March 7, 2025 (Session Law Chapter 14)
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025
  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Health, Health Care Facilities, Health Care Professions and Providers, Medical

Purpose and Intent

House Bill No. 89 aims to clarify the delegation of tasks from registered nurses (RNs) to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) within the nursing profession. By updating the statutory language, the bill seeks to enhance the understanding of LPNs' roles and responsibilities, ensuring they align with current nursing standards and practices. This change is intended to foster better collaboration among nursing professionals while maintaining high standards of patient safety and quality care.

Key Provisions

  • Definition Revision: The bill amends Section 54-1402 of the Idaho Code, specifically revising the definition of "licensed practical nurse."

    • The phrase "contributing to" is replaced with "performing appropriate delegated focused assessments," which clarifies the scope of tasks LPNs can undertake under the supervision of RNs.

  • Scope of Practice: The amendment aims to better reflect the practical roles of LPNs, ensuring their tasks are clearly defined and understood within the context of nursing practice.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): The bill directly impacts LPNs by providing clearer guidelines on their responsibilities and the tasks they can perform.
    • Registered Nurses (RNs): RNs will benefit from a more defined framework for delegation, which may enhance teamwork and efficiency in healthcare settings.
    • Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics will need to adapt to the revised definitions and ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

  • Patient Care: The changes are designed to improve patient care by ensuring that LPNs are adequately prepared and authorized to perform specific assessments, thereby enhancing the overall quality of nursing services.

Fiscal Impact

The fiscal note accompanying the bill indicates that there will be no increase or decrease in revenue or additional expenditures at the state or local government levels. Therefore, the legislation is expected to have no fiscal impact.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 30, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health & Welfare Committee.
  • February 13, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 3, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 69-0-1.
  • March 4, 2025: Passed in the Senate with a vote of 34-0-1.
  • March 7, 2025: Signed by the Governor.
  • July 1, 2025: Effective date of the bill.

This summary provides a concise overview of House Bill No. 89, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on nursing practice and patient care in Idaho.

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

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