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Bill

H 77

PHYSICIANS – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for assistant physicians and to provide for general practice licensure under certain circumstances.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 77 allows "assistant physicians" to practice in Idaho without residency, boosting healthcare access in underserved areas and enhancing career paths for new graduates.

Reported Printed and Referred to Health & Welfare
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Bill Summary · H 77

Summary of House Bill 77 (H 77)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 77 (H 77) aims to address the physician shortage in Idaho by creating a new category of medical practitioners known as "assistant physicians." This legislation provides a pathway for these individuals to obtain full licensure as general practitioners without the requirement of completing a residency program. The bill seeks to enhance the healthcare workforce, particularly in underserved areas, by allowing smaller healthcare providers to train and employ assistant physicians.

Key Provisions

1. Creation of Assistant Physicians

  • The bill renames the existing "bridge physicians" to "assistant physicians."
  • Assistant physicians are defined as individuals who have graduated from an accredited medical school and are within the first three years post-graduation.

2. Limited Licensure

  • A new limited license will be established for assistant physicians, allowing them to practice under specific conditions set by the Idaho Board of Medicine.
  • The limited license is non-renewable and valid for three years, with priority given to those with ties to Idaho.

3. Pathway to Full Licensure

  • After three years of practice as an assistant physician, candidates can apply for an unrestricted general practice license if they meet the following criteria:
    • Completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 3 within three attempts and seven years.
    • A total of 36 months of full-time collaborative practice under a licensed physician.
    • Completion of at least 50 hours of continuing medical education annually during the collaborative practice period.

4. Supervision and Scope of Practice

  • Assistant physicians will practice under the supervision of a licensed physician and must adhere to the scope of practice determined by the Board.
  • They will have prescriptive authority as defined by the Board and will be subject to the same legal liabilities as fully licensed physicians.

5. Reporting Requirements

  • The Board of Medicine is required to report to the legislature by January 31, 2033, on the effectiveness of the limited licensure program, including the number of licenses issued and their impact on healthcare provider availability in shortage areas.

Impact

  • Healthcare Providers: This bill is expected to increase the number of healthcare providers in Idaho, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
  • Assistant Physicians: Individuals who qualify as assistant physicians will have a clearer pathway to full licensure, enhancing their career prospects and ability to serve communities.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Smaller healthcare providers will benefit from the ability to employ assistant physicians, potentially improving patient care and access to medical services.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Status: Reported printed and referred to the Health & Welfare Committee on January 29, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The act will take effect on July 1, 2025, following its passage.

This legislation represents a significant step towards addressing the physician shortage in Idaho by creating new opportunities for medical graduates to practice and serve their communities effectively.

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

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